The nurse arrives at the site of a one-car motor-vehicle accident and stops to render aid. The driver of the car is unconscious. After stabilizing the client's cervical spine, which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Carefully remove the driver from the car.
- B. Assess the client's pupils for reaction.
- C. Assess the client's airway.
- D. Attempt to wake the client up by shaking him.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After cervical spine stabilization, ensuring a patent airway (C) is the next priority to support oxygenation. Removing the driver (A) risks further injury, pupil assessment (B) is secondary, and shaking (D) could worsen spinal injury.
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When implementing this medical order, which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Place the cooling blanket on top of the client.
- B. Wrap the cooling blanket in a light cloth cover.
- C. Add normal saline solution to the fluid chamber.
- D. Replace crushed ice periodically as it melts.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Wrapping the cooling blanket in a light cloth cover prevents direct skin contact, reducing the risk of thermal injury while allowing effective cooling.
The client is reporting neck pain, fever, and a headache. The nurse elicits a positive Kernig's sign. Which diagnostic test procedure should the nurse anticipate the HCP ordering to confirm a diagnosis?
- A. A computed tomography (CT).
- B. Blood cultures times two (2).
- C. Electromyogram (EMG).
- D. Lumbar puncture (LP).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neck pain, fever, headache, and positive Kernig’s sign suggest meningitis. A lumbar puncture (D) confirms the diagnosis via CSF analysis. CT (A) may precede LP, blood cultures (B) are supportive, and EMG (C) is unrelated.
The nurse is assisting the client who sustained a C5 SCI to cough using the quad coughing technique. The nurse correctly demonstrates quad coughing with which actions? Select all that apply.
- A. Places a suction catheter in the client’s oral cavity to stimulate the cough reflex
- B. Puts hands on the upper abdomen, has client inhale, pushes upward during a cough
- C. Cups the hands and percusses the client’s anterior, lateral, and posterior lung fields
- D. Hyperoxygenates the client by using a resuscitation bag to deliver 100% oxygen
- E. Elevates the head of the bed to a high Fowler’s position if the client is sitting in bed
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: Stimulating a cough with a suction catheter is not associated with the quad cough technique, and it may cause regurgitation. The nurse’s hand placement and pushing upward during a cough help to overcome the impaired diaphragmatic function that occurs with a C5 SCI. Cupping the hands and percussing the lung fields is a technique to loosen secretions but is not the quad coughing technique. Hyperoxygenating the client is a measure to prevent hypoxia associated with suctioning but is not included in the quad coughing technique. Elevating the head of the bed will promote lung expansion, thus enabling a stronger cough.
Which intervention should the nurse implement when caring for the client diagnosed with encephalitis? Select all that apply.
- A. Turn the client every two (2) hours.
- B. Encourage the client to increase fluids.
- C. Keep the client in the supine position.
- D. Assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- E. Assess for any alterations in elimination.
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Turning every 2 hours (A) prevents pressure ulcers, assessing DVT (D) addresses immobility risks, and monitoring elimination (E) ensures bowel/bladder function. Increased fluids (B) depend on status, and supine positioning (C) may increase ICP.
The male client is sitting in the chair and his entire body is rigid with his arms and legs contracting and relaxing. The client is not aware of what is going on and is making guttural sounds. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Push aside any furniture.
- B. Place the client on his side.
- C. Assess the client’s vital signs.
- D. Ease the client to the floor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority is safety. Easing the client to the floor (D) prevents injury from falling. Clearing furniture (A) follows, placing on the side (B) is done after the client is safe, and vital signs (C) are assessed post-seizure.
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