A young adult is brought to the Emergency Department (ED) after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient has severe right chest pain where there was impact with the steering wheel. Which is the priority patient goal?
Reduce the patient's anxiety
Assure adequate circulating volume
Decrease the patient's chest pain
Maintain adequate oxygenation
The Correct Answer is D
A) Reduce the patient's anxiety:
While reducing anxiety is an important aspect of patient care, particularly in emergency situations, it is not the priority when life-threatening conditions may be present. Anxiety reduction can be addressed after ensuring that the patient’s more critical physiological needs (such as adequate oxygenation and circulation) are met.
B) Assure adequate circulating volume:
Maintaining adequate circulating volume is important, especially in trauma cases where blood loss is a concern. However, adequate oxygenation takes precedence over circulating volume in this scenario because without proper oxygenation, the patient’s vital organs and tissues may suffer from hypoxia, leading to further complications.
C) Decrease the patient's chest pain:
Chest pain following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) can be a symptom of serious injuries, such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or even a cardiac contusion. While relieving pain is important for comfort and overall well-being, the priority in the immediate post-trauma phase is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen.
D) Maintain adequate oxygenation:
The most critical concern after trauma, especially in a case involving chest impact, is ensuring that the patient is adequately oxygenated. Chest trauma can cause injuries to the lungs or pleural space (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax), leading to compromised oxygen exchange. The priority is to assess and maintain the patient's airway, breathing, and oxygenation first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Take this medication as needed for pain:
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant typically prescribed for managing spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), rather than for pain. It should be taken as prescribed, typically on a scheduled basis rather than on an as-needed basis for pain. Misunderstanding this could lead to improper use of the medication and ineffective symptom management.
B) Stop the medication if I experience dry mouth:
Dry mouth is a potential side effect of baclofen, but it should not be the reason to stop the medication abruptly. Stopping baclofen suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms and could potentially worsen spasticity. If dry mouth or other side effects are bothersome, the client should consult the healthcare provider for management options rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly.
C) Taper this medication off over 1-2 weeks:
This statement demonstrates a correct understanding of the proper way to discontinue baclofen. Baclofen should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can include increased spasticity, hallucinations, or seizures. A gradual tapering of the dose over a period of 1 to 2 weeks is recommended to avoid withdrawal. This is the most appropriate and safe response.
D) Feel an increase in energy with this medication:
Baclofen is not a medication designed to increase energy. Its primary purpose is to reduce muscle spasticity, not to provide a stimulant effect. If the client expects an increase in energy, this could indicate a misunderstanding of the medication's effects. Baclofen's focus is on reducing spasticity and muscle tightness, not improving energy levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Monitoring the skin color and turgor:
While monitoring skin color and turgor is important in assessing fluid status and perfusion, it is not the immediate priority following an intracoronary stent insertion. Skin turgor is more useful in assessing dehydration or hypovolemia, but after a stent placement, the priority is to ensure the client is stable hemodynamically and there are no complications such as bleeding or thrombosis at the insertion site.
B) Monitoring the blood pressure every fifteen minutes:
Following an intracoronary stent insertion, it is crucial to monitor the client's blood pressure closely, as this procedure can lead to complications such as bleeding, clot formation, or vessel rupture. Monitoring blood pressure frequently (every 15 minutes initially) helps detect any signs of hypotension or hypertension that may indicate complications like bleeding or a clot.
C) Monitoring the cardiac enzymes every eight hours:
Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, are typically used to assess myocardial injury and can be elevated in the setting of acute coronary syndrome. However, this is not the immediate priority post-procedure. The primary concern immediately after an intracoronary stent insertion is ensuring hemodynamic stability and preventing complications such as bleeding or thromboembolism, rather than focusing solely on enzyme levels.
D) Performing neurological checks every fifteen minutes:
Neurological checks are important in cases of stroke, neurological compromise, or complications like a clot dislodging. However, in the context of a patient who has just had an intracoronary stent placement, neurological checks are not the immediate priority unless there are signs of neurological symptoms (such as sudden weakness or confusion) that indicate a complication like an embolism or stroke.
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