Nokea
After spending the previous weekend camping out with friends, a patient presents to the emergency department (ED) and is diagnosed with flaccid ascending paralysis. Based upon this information, the nurse concludes that the patient has been bitten by which of the following?
- A. Spider
- B. Wasp
- C. Tick
- D. Snake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flaccid ascending paralysis developing 5-7 days after tick exposure is characteristic of tick paralysis, caused by a neurotoxin from wood or dog ticks. Removal of the tick typically reverses symptoms within 48-72 hours.
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A patient arrives at the emergency department with complaints of being bitten by a cat. Which of the following parameters should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Septic arthritis
- B. Hypotension
- C. Osteomyelitis
- D. Tenosynovitis
- E. Cyanosis
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Cat bites carry a high risk of infection, leading to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and tenosynovitis due to deep tissue penetration. Hypotension and cyanosis are not typically associated unless systemic infection develops later.
An unresponsive older-adult patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) during a summer heat wave. The patient's core temperature is 41.2°C (106.1°F), blood pressure (BP) 86/52, and pulse 102. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement initially?
- A. Administer an Aspirin suppository
- B. Start O2 at 6 L/minute with a nasal cannula
- C. Apply a cooling blanket to the patient
- D. Infuse Lactated Ringer's solution at 1000 mL/hour
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Applying a cooling blanket is the priority to rapidly lower the core temperature in heat stroke, which is life-threatening at 41.2°C. Aspirin is ineffective, high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather is preferred, and rapid fluid infusion risks pulmonary edema in older adults.
The nurse is conducting a primary survey of a patient with multiple traumatic injuries and observes that the patient's right pedal pulses are absent and the leg is swollen. Which of the following actions will the nurse take next?
- A. Assess further for a cause of the decreased circulation
- B. Send blood to the lab for a complete blood count (CBC)
- C. Finish the airway, breathing, circulation, disability survey
- D. Initiate isotonic fluid infusion through two large-bore IV lines
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Absent pedal pulses and leg swelling suggest arterial trauma or hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition. Initiating IV fluid infusion immediately addresses potential hypovolemia, taking precedence over further assessment or completing the survey.
The nurse is assessing a patient who is brought to the emergency department (ED) with multiple lacerations and tissue avulsion of the right hand. When asked about tetanus immunization, the patient denies having any previous vaccinations. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate administering to the patient?
- A. Tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (TD) only
- B. Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) only
- C. Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and tetanus-diphtheria (TD) toxoid
- D. TIG and tetanus-diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine (Tdap)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For an unvaccinated patient with a tetanus-prone wound, both TIG (for immediate passive immunity) and TD (for long-term active immunity) are recommended. Tdap includes pertussis, which is not necessary in this context.
The nurse is assessing a patient admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a broken arm and facial bruises and notes multiple bruising in various stages of healing. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Is someone at home hurting you?
- B. You should not return to your home
- C. Would you like to see a social worker?
- D. I have to report this abuse to the police
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Multiple bruises in various stages of healing suggest possible abuse. The nurse's initial response should be to assess further by asking about potential abuse sensitively, before taking other actions like reporting or involving social services.