The nurse reviews a list of clients and their reasons for seeking care in the emergency department. Based on the listed reason for seeking care, which client should the nurse prioritize?
A client with a "sprained ankle from playing tennis"
A client with "stomach pain after eating oatmeal"
A client with a "cough and fever for two days"
A client with a "headache and anxiety for an hour"
The Correct Answer is D
A. A client with a "sprained ankle from playing tennis": A sprained ankle is generally a minor musculoskeletal injury and is not life-threatening. While it requires care for pain and mobility, it is lower priority compared to conditions that may indicate acute or serious illness.
B. A client with "stomach pain after eating oatmeal": Mild stomach discomfort is typically non-urgent unless accompanied by severe or alarming symptoms. This condition is lower priority compared with clients exhibiting potential acute neurological or cardiovascular issues.
C. A client with a "cough and fever for two days": While fever and cough may indicate infection, the short duration without severe distress usually does not require immediate life-saving interventions. This client is important but is less urgent than acute neurological concerns.
D. A client with a "headache and anxiety for an hour": Sudden-onset headache can signal serious conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage or stroke, particularly if accompanied by anxiety or neurological changes. This client requires immediate assessment to rule out life-threatening causes, making it the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. "Have you ever had any surgeries?": Asking about past surgeries provides important health history that may influence current care, indicate risk factors, and guide future interventions. Surgical history is essential for a comprehensive health assessment.
B. "What type of health insurance do you have?": Health insurance information is administrative rather than clinical data. While it is important for billing and access to services, it does not contribute to the client’s medical assessment or care planning.
C. "Have you ever smoked tobacco products?": Inquiring about tobacco use identifies risk factors for cardiovascular, respiratory, and other chronic diseases. This information is relevant to the client’s current health status and preventive care planning.
D. "What illnesses did you have as a child?": Childhood illnesses can have long-term health implications, including immunity status, chronic conditions, or complications that may affect current care. Documenting this helps create a thorough health history.
E. "Have you had any reactions to your medications?": Knowing about previous medication reactions is critical for preventing adverse drug events and ensuring safe prescribing and administration. This information is essential for client safety.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who is reporting a severe headache and new vision changes: Sudden severe headache with vision changes may indicate a potentially life-threatening condition such as a stroke, aneurysm, or increased intracranial pressure. This client requires an immediate emergency assessment to prevent serious complications.
B. A client who requires assistance when transferring to the exam table: Needing help with transfers is important for safety but does not indicate an urgent medical condition. This task can be addressed after more critical clients are assessed.
C. A client who requires a follow-up physical for their medication refill: Routine follow-up for prescription refills is non-urgent and can safely be scheduled after emergency or acute cases are addressed.
D. A client who is reporting minor swelling and pain in their left foot: Minor swelling and pain are usually non-life-threatening. While assessment is necessary, it does not require immediate emergency evaluation compared to acute neurological or vision changes.
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