Which action is the priority for the forensic nurse examiner (RN-FNE) when caring for a patient who was abducted and gang-raped and is now in serious condition in the emergency department?
Evaluating the patient's level of consciousness (LOC) using the Glasgow Coma Scale
Informing the patient that the RN-FNE cannot act on a patient's behalf
Monitoring vital signs, especially blood pressure and pulse
Assessing the patient's airway
The Correct Answer is D
A. Evaluating the patient's level of consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale is important, but it is secondary to ensuring that the airway is open and that breathing is maintained.
B. Informing the patient that the RN-FNE cannot act on the patient's behalf is unnecessary at this point; the priority is immediate medical intervention.
C. Monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse, is crucial but secondary to addressing immediate life-threatening conditions like airway compromise.
D. Assessing the patient's airway is the priority because airway compromise is the most critical issue in emergency care. The RN-FNE must stabilize the patient's airway first before proceeding with other assessments.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Documenting the patient's need for restraints is important but does not address the issue of restraining a competent patient against their will. This is an issue of patient rights and autonomy.
B. Not informing the patient is inappropriate, but the key issue is the lack of consent to be restrained, not just the failure to inform.
C. While failing to get a physician's order is critical for legal and safety reasons, the core issue here is the violation of the patient's autonomy and rights.
D. Restraining a competent patient against their will without consent is considered an intentional tort because it involves touching the patient in an unauthorized manner, which is a direct violation of their rights. This can result in legal action for assault or battery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sodium Bicarbonate is incorrect as it is not a first-line treatment for VF. It may be considered in cases of severe acidosis or hyperkalemia.
B. Amiodarone is incorrect as it is used as an antiarrhythmic, but epinephrine is administered first during cardiac arrest to increase perfusion.
C. Epinephrine is correct because it is the first-line drug given in ventricular fibrillation that persists after defibrillation. It increases coronary and cerebral perfusion and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent defibrillation attempts.
D. Lidocaine is incorrect as it is an antiarrhythmic that may be considered after epinephrine and amiodarone, but it is not the first choice.
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