An emergency department nurse triages a group of clients who were injured in a school bus crash. Which of the following clients should the nurse have the provider evaluate first?
A client who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously
A client who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain
A client who was unconscious at the scene and now reports diplopia and nausea
A client who has several missing teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip
The Correct Answer is C
A. A client who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously. Although bleeding may appear dramatic, most scalp wounds bleed heavily and can be controlled with pressure. This is not immediately life-threatening if the client is stable.
B. A client who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain. This is a serious injury with risk for blood loss and infection, but the client is alert and stable enough to express pain, suggesting less immediate neurologic risk than other clients.
C. A client who was unconscious at the scene and now reports diplopia and nausea. This client likely has a head injury with signs of increased intracranial pressure or concussion (diplopia = double vision, nausea, and prior loss of consciousness). These are neurological red flags and require immediate evaluation to prevent deterioration.
D. A client who has several missing teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip. While painful and concerning, oral trauma without airway compromise is less urgent than potential brain injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sensation of skin warmth. A warm or flushed sensation is common during cardiac catheterization, especially when contrast dye is injected. This is a normal and temporary response to the dye used in the procedure.
B. Increased salivation. Increased salivation is not a typical reaction during cardiac catheterization. It is not associated with the administration of contrast dye or catheter manipulation.
C. Numbness and tingling of the extremities. Numbness or tingling may indicate compromised circulation or nerve involvement, which is abnormal and should be reported immediately. It may suggest complications like arterial spasm or clot.
D. Headache. Headaches are not expected during a cardiac catheterization. If a headache occurs, especially a severe one, it should be evaluated further, as it could indicate a reaction or another complication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Provide a verbal report of the client's condition to the paramedic performing the transfer. This is an appropriate and secure method for communicating essential health information directly involved in the client’s care. It ensures continuity of care while maintaining confidentiality.
B. Email the client's health information to the facility in an unencrypted file. Sending health information via unencrypted email violates HIPAA guidelines and poses a risk to client confidentiality due to potential unauthorized access.
C. Discuss the client's response to the transfer with another staff nurse. Unless the staff nurse is directly involved in the client’s care, this would be a breach of confidentiality. Personal health information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
D. Fax the client's name and identifiable information to the rehabilitation facility. Faxing is permissible only when appropriate safeguards are in place. However, faxing identifiable information without confirming the recipient or using secure protocols can risk a confidentiality breach.
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