An adult male client is brought to the emergency department (ED) by ambulance following a motorcycle collision. He was not wearing a helmet and presents with periorbital bruising and bloody drainage from both ears. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Diminished bilateral breath sounds.
Nausea with projectile vomiting.
Rebound abdominal tenderness.
Rib pain with deep inspiration.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Diminished bilateral breath sounds: Reduced or absent breath sounds may indicate life-threatening conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or airway compromise. In trauma, airway and breathing take priority over other assessments, and immediate intervention is critical to prevent hypoxia and respiratory failure.
B. Nausea with projectile vomiting: Projectile vomiting may indicate increased intracranial pressure after head trauma. While concerning, airway management and breathing take precedence in emergency care. Vomiting is urgent but secondary to potential respiratory compromise.
C. Rebound abdominal tenderness: This suggests possible intra-abdominal injury, such as bleeding or organ damage. While requiring prompt evaluation, it is not immediately life-threatening compared with compromised ventilation or oxygenation.
D. Rib pain with deep inspiration: Rib pain indicates musculoskeletal injury, possibly with minor trauma to underlying organs. Pain management and monitoring are important, but it does not require immediate intervention in the presence of normal breathing and oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assess the client's understanding of the new medications: While medication reconciliation is important later, you cannot assess the "understanding" of a client who is currently in an acute state of confusion and hallucinating. The immediate focus must be on safety and stabilization.
B. Notify the charge nurse of the client's disorientation: Alerting the charge nurse ensures appropriate support, timely assessment, and coordination of care. Early communication is important for patient safety and rapid intervention if the client’s behavior escalates.
C. Document the client's hallucinations: Accurate documentation of observed behaviors and hallucinations provides critical information for the healthcare provider to assess potential causes, including adverse drug reactions, infection, or delirium. Documentation is essential for safe and effective care planning.
D. Reorient the client to time and space: Providing verbal reassurance and cues about the environment helps reduce anxiety, supports cognitive orientation, and may decrease agitation. Nonpharmacologic interventions are first-line strategies for managing acute confusion in older adults.
E. Restrain the client in her room using soft restraints: Physical restraints should be a last resort due to the risk of injury, increased agitation, and ethical considerations. Restraints are not indicated prior to attempting assessment, reorientation, and nonpharmacologic safety measures.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity: Obtaining a culture identifies MRSA as the causative organism and determines antibiotic susceptibility. This guides targeted antimicrobial therapy and reduces the risk of treatment failure. Accurate identification is essential for infection control and clinical management.
B. Explain the purpose of a low bacteria diet: A low bacteria (neutropenic) diet is reserved for clients with severe immunosuppression, such as those undergoing chemotherapy. Localized MRSA wound infections do not require dietary bacterial restriction. Nutrition should focus on adequate protein and calories for wound healing.
C. Use standard precautions and wear a mask: MRSA wound infections require standard precautions plus contact precautions. A mask is not routinely required unless there is risk of splashing or respiratory involvement. Gloves and gowns are the primary protective measures.
D. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors: MRSA is transmitted via direct and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or drainage. Contact precautions, including gloves and gowns, reduce transmission to healthcare workers and other clients. These precautions are essential in preventing hospital-acquired spread.
E. Monitor the client's white blood cell count (WBC): The WBC count helps assess the presence and progression of infection and the client’s response to treatment. Trends in WBC levels can indicate worsening infection or resolution. Ongoing monitoring supports timely clinical decision-making.
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