A nurse witnesses a motor vehicle crash and finds a client who is not breathing. The nurse suspects the client has a cervical vertebrae fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver to provide oxygenation
Check the client's cranial nerve function by assessing pupils equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodation (PERRLA)
Place the client in a rigid cervical collar
Evaluate the client for brain injury
The Correct Answer is A
A. The first priority in this situation is to open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is preferred for clients with suspected spinal injuries to avoid further spinal cord damage. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation are immediate life-saving actions.
B. Checking cranial nerve function, including assessing pupils, is important for evaluating neurological status but is not the first action when the client is not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation is the priority.
C. While placing the client in a rigid cervical collar is important for stabilizing the spine and preventing further injury, it should be done after ensuring the airway is clear. The immediate concern is to address the client's non-breathing status.
D. Evaluating the client for brain injury is important for overall assessment but is secondary to addressing the immediate life threat of not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and then stabilizing the spine is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Neurogenic shock is characterized by the loss of sympathetic tone, leading to parasympathetic predominance. Therefore, signs of sympathetic stimulation, such as tachycardia or sweating, are not present.
B. Neurogenic shock typically causes hypotension, not hypertension, due to vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance.
C. Cool, moist skin is more commonly seen in hypovolemic or septic shock due to peripheral vasoconstriction. In neurogenic shock, vasodilation leads to warm, dry skin.
D. Bradycardia is a hallmark of neurogenic shock due to unopposed parasympathetic stimulation resulting from the loss of sympathetic nervous system control.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Droplet precautions are not appropriate for anthrax exposure. Precautions would be based on the specific form of anthrax (cutaneous, inhalation, or gastrointestinal).
B. Anthrax is treated with antibiotics, not antiviral therapy. Ciprofloxacin or doxycycline is typically used for prophylaxis and treatment.
C. While assessing for hemorrhage might be relevant in cases of severe anthrax, it is more critical initially to focus on respiratory assessment, particularly for inhalation anthrax.
D. Assessing the respiratory system is crucial for clients exposed to anthrax, particularly inhalation anthrax, as it can cause severe respiratory symptoms and complications. Prompt assessment is essential for early detection and treatment of respiratory distress.
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