A nurse working in the emergency department is assessing several clients. Which of the following clients is the highest priority?
A client who has a raised red skin rash on his arms, neck, and face
A client who has active bleeding from a puncture wound of the left groin area
A client who reports shortness of breath and left neck and shoulder pain
A client who reports right-sided flank pain and is diaphoretic
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: A client who has a raised red skin rash on his arms, neck, and face may have an allergic reaction or a skin infection, which are not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of anaphylaxis or systemic infection, but this client is not the highest priority.
Choice B reason: A client who has active bleeding from a puncture wound of the left groin area is the highest priority because they are at risk of hemorrhage and shock. The nurse should apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the affected leg, and monitor the client's vital signs and hemoglobin level.
Choice C reason: A client who reports shortness of breath and left neck and shoulder pain may have a cardiac or pulmonary problem, such as angina, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism, which are serious conditions. The nurse should obtain an electrocardiogram, administer oxygen, and prepare for further diagnostic tests and interventions, but this client is not the highest priority.
Choice D reason: A client who reports right-sided flank pain and is diaphoretic may have a renal or urinary problem, such as kidney stones, pyelonephritis, or renal colic, which are painful but not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should administer analgesics, encourage fluid intake, and collect a urine sample, but this client is not the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A living will does not provide protection against malpractice. It is a legal document that expresses the client's wishes regarding medical care in the event of a terminal illness or injury.
Choice B reason: A living will does not designate a health care surrogate to make health care decisions. A health care surrogate is a person who is authorized by the client or the court to make health care decisions for the client when the client is unable to do so.
Choice C reason: A living will does not document that the client gave informed consent. Informed consent is the process of obtaining the client's voluntary agreement to a proposed treatment or procedure after providing adequate information about the benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Choice D reason: A living will allows the client to refuse life-sustaining treatments. This is the main purpose of a living will, as it gives the client the right to self-determination and autonomy over their own body and health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not legally required or ethically appropriate. The client has the right to refuse treatment and leave the hospital at any time, as long as she is competent and informed of the risks and consequences. The nurse should not coerce or threaten the client to stay against her will.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not helpful or respectful. The client may have valid reasons for wanting to go home, such as personal or financial issues. The nurse should not assume that the client is anxious or irrational and offer her a sedative, which may impair her judgment and consent.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not necessary or professional. The client is not a threat to herself or others, and does not need to be restrained or guarded by a security officer. The nurse should not use intimidation or force to prevent the client from leaving.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because this action is the best practice and the standard procedure. The nurse should explain to the client the benefits of staying and the risks of leaving, and document the conversation. The nurse should also ask the client to sign the Against Medical Advice form, which states that the client understands the implications of her decision and releases the hospital and the provider from liability.
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