A nurse is assisting with mass casualty triage following an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. A client who has massive head trauma
- B. A client who has full-thickness burns to the face and trunk
- C. A client with indications of hypovolemic shock
- D. A client with an open fracture of the lower extremity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a mass casualty situation, the nurse should prioritize the client with indications of hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is an immediate life-threatening condition resulting from severe blood loss, which can lead to organ failure and death. Prompt identification and treatment of hypovolemic shock are crucial to prevent further deterioration. While clients with massive head trauma, full-thickness burns, and open fractures require urgent care, hypovolemic shock takes precedence due to its rapid progression to a critical state.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure. Which of the following prescriptions from the provider should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Call the provider if the client's respiratory rate is less than 18/min
- B. Administer 500 mL IV bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride over 1 hour
- C. Administer enalapril 2.5 mg PO twice daily
- D. Call the provider if the client's pulse rate is less than 80/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed for clients with congestive heart failure to help reduce blood pressure and fluid overload. Option A is incorrect as in congestive heart failure, a lower respiratory rate could be a sign of worsening condition and needs immediate attention rather than waiting to call the provider. Option B is incorrect as administering a large IV bolus of sodium chloride could exacerbate fluid overload in a client with heart failure. Option D is incorrect as a pulse rate lower than 80/min may not necessarily indicate a problem in a client with congestive heart failure.
A nurse on the medical-surgical unit is receiving reports on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
- A. A client who is receiving warfarin and has an INR of 3.3
- B. A client who has acute kidney injury, creatinine 4 mg/dL, and BUN 52 mg/dL
- C. A client who had an NG tube inserted 6 hours ago and has abdominal distention
- D. A client who is 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports fullness in the throat
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client who is 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports fullness in the throat should be assessed first. This client may be experiencing airway obstruction due to hematoma or swelling, making it a priority. Options A, B, and C have concerning findings as well, but airway compromise takes precedence over other issues.
A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?
- A. Paradoxical pulse
- B. Dependent edema
- C. Pericardial friction rub
- D. Substernal chest pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paradoxical pulse. Paradoxical pulse, which is a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, indicates cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. This finding requires immediate attention as it suggests potential compromised cardiac function. Choices B, C, and D are associated with pericarditis but do not indicate the same level of urgency as paradoxical pulse.
A nurse has been caring for a female client who has bruises on her arms that she explains are a result of physical abuse by her husband. The client states, "I don't know how much longer I can take this, but I'm afraid he'll really hurt me if I leave." Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Offer to speak to the client's husband regarding his abusive behavior
- B. Help the client to recognize signs of escalation in abusive behavior
- C. Assist the client in identifying personal behaviors that trigger abuse
- D. Assist the client in reporting the abusive behavior to authorities
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assisting the client in reporting the abuse is a critical step in ensuring her safety and initiating legal action to protect her from further harm. Option A is inappropriate as it may escalate the situation and put the client at further risk. Option B focuses on the client recognizing signs of abuse, which is not as urgent as reporting it to authorities. Option C places the responsibility on the client for triggering the abuse, which is victim-blaming and not helpful in this context.
A charge nurse is providing teaching to a newly licensed nurse on how to clean surfaces contaminated with blood. Which of the following agents should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Hydrogen peroxide
- B. Chlorhexidine
- C. Isopropyl alcohol
- D. Chlorine bleach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chlorine bleach is the recommended agent for cleaning blood spills due to its effectiveness in killing bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. Hydrogen peroxide, Chlorhexidine, and Isopropyl alcohol are not as effective as chlorine bleach in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood and eliminating bloodborne pathogens, making them incorrect choices.