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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this information is relevant and important for the physical therapist. A hemoglobin of 5 g/dL indicates severe anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The physical therapist should be aware of the client's condition and adjust the therapy accordingly. The physical therapist should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and tolerance to activity.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this information is not relevant or important for the physical therapist. A clean-catch urine test is a diagnostic test that requires the client to collect a midstream urine sample in a sterile container. The physical therapist does not need to know about this test or its results, as it does not affect the client's physical therapy.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this information is not relevant or important for the physical therapist. Opioid-induced constipation is a side effect of opioid medications that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stools. The physical therapist does not need to know about this condition or its treatment, as it does not affect the client's physical therapy.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this information is not relevant or important for the physical therapist. A new diagnosis of colorectal cancer is a serious and life-changing condition that requires medical and surgical interventions. The physical therapist does not need to know about this diagnosis or its prognosis, as it does not affect the client's physical therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because checking on a client whose telemetry monitor is continuously beeping is a task that requires nursing judgment and assessment skills. The nurse should not delegate this task to the AP, but rather perform it themselves or notify the health care provider.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because tagging a malfunctioning piece of equipment as broken is a task that does not involve direct client care or clinical decision making. The nurse can delegate this task to the AP, who can follow the facility's policy and procedure for reporting and removing faulty equipment.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because determining whether an oxygen flow meter is accurately set at 2 L/min via nasal cannula is a task that involves administering medication and monitoring the client's oxygenation status. The nurse should not delegate this task to the AP, but rather perform it themselves and document the results.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because instructing a client about the use of an incentive spirometer is a task that involves providing client education and evaluating the client's understanding and compliance. The nurse should not delegate this task to the AP, but rather perform it themselves and document the outcomes.
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