The nurse is the first person on the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The victim was the driver and is in the driver's seat unconscious. The driver is breathing, has a pulse, and has minor lacerations on the head and face. What action should the nurse implement first?
Use the head tilt chin lift method to maintain the airway
Control any external bleeding
Do not move the victim from the accident
Stabilize the cervical spine until help arrives
The Correct Answer is D
A. The head tilt chin lift method should be avoided due to the risk of aggravating a spinal injury; the jaw-thrust maneuver is safer if airway management is necessary.
B. While controlling bleeding is important, cervical spine stabilization takes priority in trauma with suspected spinal injury.
C. Not moving the victim is appropriate, but stabilizing the cervical spine provides active support to avoid further injury.
D. Stabilizing the cervical spine is crucial to prevent potential spinal cord damage in an unconscious trauma victim, particularly in a motor vehicle accident. This action helps prevent exacerbation of any spinal injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A patient found facedown in water is at high risk of anoxic brain injury due to potential prolonged oxygen deprivation, which is directly associated with lack of oxygen to the brain.
B. Multiple concussions can lead to other types of brain injury but are less associated with anoxic injury than prolonged oxygen deprivation.
C. A basilar skull fracture can cause complications such as CSF leaks but does not directly cause an anoxic brain injury.
D. An epidural hematoma may increase ICP, but with timely intervention, anoxic injury may be avoided; anoxic brain injury is more directly related to oxygen deprivation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While drug dependence can be a concern with long-term use, it is not the immediate priority in an emergency setting where the goal is to stabilize the patient in status epilepticus.
B. Cardiac rhythm monitoring is important when administering certain medications, but lorazepam primarily affects the central nervous system and respiratory system, making oxygen saturation monitoring more critical.
C. Pulse oximetry is the priority assessment as IV lorazepam can depress the respiratory system, leading to hypoxia. Monitoring oxygen saturation helps ensure the patient maintains adequate respiratory function during administration.
D. Assessing pain is important in patient care, but it is not the priority in managing a patient in status epilepticus, where stabilization is essential.
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