During the primary assessment of a victim of a motor vehicle collision, the nurse determines that the patient is breathing and has an unobstructed airway. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Palpate extremities for bilateral pulses.
- B. Observe the patient’s respiratory effort.
- C. Check the patient’s level of consciousness.
- D. Examine the patient for any external bleeding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct action is to observe the patient's respiratory effort next. This step ensures that the patient's breathing remains stable and adequate. If respiratory effort is compromised, immediate intervention is required. Checking for bilateral pulses (A) is important but comes after ensuring respiratory status. Checking level of consciousness (C) is also crucial but not as immediate as monitoring breathing. Examining for external bleeding (D) is important but not the priority when airway and breathing are already determined to be clear.
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A client has been admitted after experiencing multiple trauma and is intubated and sedated. When the five members of the immediate family arrive, they are anxious, angry, and very demanding. They all speak loudly at once and ask for many services and answers. What is the best nursing response?
- A. Ask the family to leave until visiting hours begin.
- B. Take them to a private area for initial explanations.
- C. Page security to have them removed from unit.
- D. Show them to the clients bedside and leave them alone.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take them to a private area for initial explanations. This response is the best because it allows the nurse to address the family's concerns in a private and controlled environment. It promotes effective communication and enables the family to express their emotions and receive information without distractions.
Choice A is incorrect because asking the family to leave may escalate the situation and not address their needs. Choice C is inappropriate as paging security to remove the family can worsen the family's distress and hinder communication. Choice D is not ideal as leaving the family alone may lead to misunderstandings and increased anxiety. Overall, choice B is the most therapeutic and effective approach in this situation.
The nurse is assessing pain levels in a critically ill patient . The nurse recognizes that which patient action as indicatin g the greatest level of pain?
- A. Brow lowering
- B. Eyelid closing
- C. Grimacing
- D. Staring
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C (Grimacing)
Rationale:
1. Grimacing is a universal nonverbal sign of pain.
2. It involves facial muscles, indicating a high level of discomfort.
3. Brow lowering and eyelid closing are subtle signs, less indicative of severe pain.
4. Staring may signify concentration, not necessarily pain.
Summary:
Grimacing is the correct choice as it directly correlates with pain intensity, unlike the other options which are less specific or relevant indicators of severe pain.
When performing an initial pulmonary artery occlusion pr essure (PAOP), what are the best nursing actions? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds w hile noting the waveform change.
- B. Inflate the balloon with air, recording the volume nece ssary to obtain a reading.
- C. Maintain the balloon in the inflated position for 8 hours following insertion.
- D. Zero reference and level the air-fluid interface of the tr ansducer at the level of the phlebostatic axis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inflate the balloon for no more than 8 to 10 seconds while noting the waveform change. This is because inflating the balloon within this time frame allows for accurate measurement of PAOP without causing complications like pulmonary edema. Noting the waveform change helps in determining the accurate pressure reading.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Inflating the balloon with air and recording the volume necessary is not a recommended practice as it can lead to inaccurate readings and potential harm to the patient.
C: Maintaining the balloon inflated for 8 hours following insertion is unnecessary and could lead to complications such as vascular damage or thrombosis.
D: Zero referencing and leveling the transducer at the phlebostatic axis are important steps but not directly related to performing an initial PAOP measurement.
The VALUE mnemonic is a helpful strategy to enhance communication with family members of critically ill patients. Which of the following statements describes a VALUE strategy?
- A. View the family as guests on the unit.
- B. Acknowledge family emotions.
- C. Learn as much as you can about family structure and f unction.
- D. Use a trained interpreter if the family does not speak English.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acknowledge family emotions. This is a key component of the VALUE strategy as it emphasizes empathy and understanding towards the emotions that family members may be experiencing during a difficult time. By acknowledging their emotions, healthcare providers can build trust and establish a supportive relationship with the family.
Choice A is incorrect because the VALUE strategy focuses on treating family members as integral members of the care team, not just as guests. Choice C is incorrect as learning about family structure and function is important but not specifically part of the VALUE strategy. Choice D is incorrect as using a trained interpreter is important for effective communication but is not specific to the VALUE mnemonic.
Which patient should the nurse notify the organ procureme nt organization (OPO) to evaluate for possible organ donation?
- A. A 36-year-old patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 with no activity on electroencephalogram
- B. A 68-year-old male admitted with unstable atrial fibrillation who has suffered a stroke
- C. A 40-year-old brain-injured female with a history of ovabairrbi.acnom c/taenstc er and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7
- D. A 53-year-old diabetic male with a history of unstable angina status post resuscitation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient is a 36-year-old with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and no activity on electroencephalogram, indicating severe brain injury and likely irreversible neurological damage. This patient meets the criteria for potential organ donation as they are neurologically devastated.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient's condition is related to stroke and atrial fibrillation, not severe brain injury that would make them a candidate for organ donation.
Choice C is incorrect because although the patient has a brain injury and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, the history of a reversible cause (ovarian cancer metastasis) and a higher GCS score compared to choice A make this patient less suitable for organ donation evaluation.
Choice D is incorrect as the patient's diabetic and cardiovascular history does not suggest severe brain injury that would qualify for organ donation.