Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions Related

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The trauma unit nurse has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

  • A. Evaluate chest expansion.
  • B. Check pupillary response to light.
  • C. Assess the capillary refill.
  • D. Check the client's response to questions about place and time.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Evaluate chest expansion. This is the priority action because it assesses the client's airway and breathing, which are critical for survival. Checking chest expansion helps to identify any potential respiratory compromise or underlying lung injuries. Assessing pupillary response (B) and capillary refill (C) are important, but they are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation. Checking the client's orientation to place and time (D) is important for neurological assessment but is not as critical as assessing airway and breathing in this scenario.