A nurse is helping to triage a group of clients at a mass casualty incident who were involved in an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the nurse tag to be the priority for care?
A client who has severe head injuries, respiratory rate 6/min, and is unresponsive
A client who has a simple fracture of the femur, multiple scratches on both legs, and is crying hysterically
A female who is pregnant at 20 weeks of gestation, has multiple cuts and abrasions, and is walking around
A client who has a piece of wood punctured into the chest wall and has an audible hissing sound coming from the wound site
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because this client has signs of brain death, such as severe head injuries, low respiratory rate, and unresponsiveness. The nurse should tag this client as black, which means deceased or expectant.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this client has non-life-threatening injuries, such as a simple fracture and scratches. The nurse should tag this client as green, which means minor or delayed care.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this client has minor injuries and is able to walk around. The nurse should tag this client as green, which means minor or delayed care.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because this client has a life-threatening condition called tension pneumothorax, which requires immediate care. This client has a life-threatening condition called tension pneumothorax, which is caused by air leaking into the pleural space and compressing the lung and the heart. This can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death if not treated immediately. The hissing sound indicates that air is escaping from the lung through the wound. The nurse should tag this client as red, which means immediate care is needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Cold and numb sensation distal to the fistula site is a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have difficulty returning blood from the limbs to the heart, resulting in blood pooling and reduced perfusion. A new arteriovenous fistula can cause increased blood flow through the artery and decreased blood flow through the vein, leading to venous insufficiency. This can manifest as coldness, numbness, tingling, or cyanosis in the fingers or hand below the fistula site.
Choice B: A raised red rash around the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. A raised red rash around the fistula site can indicate an allergic reaction, an infection, or an inflammation of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should assess the rash for size, shape, color, texture, temperature, and drainage, and report any signs of infection or inflammation, such as fever, pus, or swelling.
Choice C: Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site can indicate arterial insufficiency, which is a condition in which the arteries have difficulty delivering oxygen-rich blood to the tissues, resulting in ischemia and necrosis. Arterial insufficiency can be caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, or vasospasm. The nurse should assess the pain for location, intensity, duration, frequency, and quality, and report any signs of ischemia or necrosis, such as pallor, coolness, weak pulses, or ulceration.
Choice D: Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site can indicate an infection of the fistula or surrounding tissue. The nurse should assess the drainage for color, odor, amount, and consistency, and report any signs of infection or sepsis, such as fever, chills, malaise, or hypotension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Weight gain is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Weight gain is more likely to occur in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the systemic circulation and causes fluid retention and edema in the body.
Choice B: Anorexia is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Anorexia is a loss of appetite, which can have many causes, such as psychological disorders, infections, medications, or cancer. Left-sided heart failure does not directly affect appetite, but it can cause nausea, fatigue, and weakness.
Choice C: A distended abdomen is not a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. A distended abdomen is more likely to occur in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the portal vein and causes increased pressure in the liver and spleen. This can lead to hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, and varices.
Choice D: Breathlessness is a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Breathlessness, or dyspnea, is a sensation of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Breathlessness occurs in left-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the lungs and causes pulmonary congestion and edema. This impairs gas exchange and reduces oxygen delivery to the tissues.
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