While auscultating a trauma victim's chest for breath sounds you believe you hear bowel sounds. You assess that this
is undoubtedly referred sound, probably due to large amounts of intestinal gas.
client needs a nasogastric tube immediately to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Could be due to diaphragmatic rupture and notify the physician immediately.
client is hungry.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Is undoubtedly referred sound, probably due to large amounts of intestinal gas: Bowel sounds are not normally transmitted to the thoracic cavity. Assuming the sounds are merely referred can delay recognition of a serious injury. Trauma victims require careful assessment for structural injuries rather than attributing sounds to benign causes.
B. Client needs a nasogastric tube immediately to prevent aspiration pneumonia: While NG tubes may be indicated in some trauma cases, insertion without further evaluation could worsen injuries if a diaphragmatic rupture is present. Immediate diagnostic assessment takes priority over routine NG placement.
C. Could be due to diaphragmatic rupture and notify the physician immediately: Hearing bowel sounds in the chest after trauma suggests possible diaphragmatic rupture, which can allow abdominal contents to herniate into the thoracic cavity. This is a surgical emergency, and prompt physician notification is required for further imaging and intervention.
D. Client is hungry: Hunger is unrelated to the presence of bowel sounds in the thoracic cavity. Assuming this trivial cause can dangerously delay diagnosis and management of a life-threatening injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer osmotic diuretics as prescribed and open drain to remove cerebrospinal fluid: Osmotic diuretics and CSF drainage are used to lower elevated intracranial pressure. In this scenario, the ICP is 15 mmHg, which is within normal limits, so lowering ICP is not the immediate priority.
B. Participate in interventions to increase cerebral perfusion pressure: Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is calculated as MAP minus ICP. With a MAP of 70 mmHg and ICP of 15 mmHg, CPP is 55 mmHg, which is at the lower threshold of adequate cerebral perfusion. Supporting CPP through interventions is critical to maintain brain oxygenation and prevent further injury.
C. Prepare the client for having burr holes drilled into the skull: Surgical intervention is reserved for cases of refractory intracranial hypertension or localized mass effect. This is not immediately indicated given the current ICP and MAP values.
D. Position the client in the high Fowler position as tolerated: While positioning can influence ICP, high Fowler may actually reduce cerebral perfusion by lowering MAP relative to ICP. Maintaining neutral alignment and interventions to optimize CPP are higher priorities in brain stem herniation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check for a pulse: The first action in any dysrhythmia is to assess whether the client has a pulse, as this determines the next interventions. Identifying the presence or absence of a pulse differentiates between pulseless rhythms requiring immediate defibrillation and unstable rhythms with a pulse that may require synchronized cardioversion.
B. IV administration of epinephrine: Epinephrine is indicated for pulseless cardiac arrest rhythms but should be administered only after confirming the client is pulseless. Giving epinephrine without assessing the pulse could result in inappropriate treatment and delay appropriate interventions for a perfusing rhythm.
C. Immediate cardioversion: Cardioversion is performed for unstable tachydysrhythmias in clients with a pulse. Administering cardioversion without first checking for a pulse could be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the client is pulseless and requires defibrillation instead.
D. IV administration of adenosine: Adenosine is used specifically for terminating certain supraventricular tachycardias, but its use depends on the rhythm and the presence of a pulse. Administering it without pulse assessment may delay critical interventions and is not the immediate priority in a potentially unstable rhythm.
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