Nursing Elites

1. During a mass casualty event, a nurse is caring for multiple clients. Which of the following clients is the nurse’s priority?

• A. A client who received crush injuries to the chest and abdomen and is expected to die.
• B. A client who has a 4-inch laceration to the head.
• C. A client who has partial-thickness and full-thickness burns to his face, neck, and chest.
• D. A client who has a fractured fibula and tibia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a mass casualty event, the priority client for the nurse is the one with partial-thickness and full-thickness burns to the face, neck, and chest. Clients with severe burns in critical areas require immediate attention due to the potential for life-threatening complications such as airway compromise, fluid loss, and infection. Crush injuries and fractures, although serious, are generally less urgent in comparison and can be managed after addressing the burns. Therefore, the client with burns to the face, neck, and chest should be the nurse's priority over the other clients described.

2. A client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery has an eviscerated wound. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Cover the incision with a moist sterile dressing.
• B. Notify the surgeon immediately.
• C. Assess the client's vital signs.
• D. Place the client in a supine position with knees bent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take after discovering a client's eviscerated wound is to cover the incision with a moist sterile dressing. This step is crucial to protect the exposed tissue, prevent infection, and create a conducive environment for healing. While notifying the surgeon is important, addressing the wound immediately takes precedence. Assessing vital signs is essential but should follow the immediate intervention of covering the wound. Placing the client in a supine position with knees bent is not the priority in managing an eviscerated wound; the first step is to cover the wound to protect the exposed tissue.

3. A nurse educator is presenting a module on basic first aid for newly licensed home health nurses. The client who has heat stroke will have which of the following?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Clammy skin
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Heat stroke is characterized by elevated body temperature, which can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) due to dehydration and vasodilation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and clammy skin are not typical findings in heat stroke. Bradypnea (slow breathing) is also not a common feature of heat stroke. Therefore, hypotension is the most likely cardiovascular manifestation seen in a client with heat stroke.

4. In a mass casualty scenario at a child day care center, which child would the triage nurse prioritize for treatment last?

• A. An infant with intermittent bulging anterior fontanel between crying episodes
• B. A toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body
• C. A preschooler with 1 lower leg fracture and the other leg with an upper leg fracture
• D. A school-age child with singed eyebrows and hair on the arms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a mass casualty scenario, the triage nurse would prioritize the toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body for treatment last. This child is categorized as 'expectant' due to the extensive injuries, which are unlikely to be survivable even with immediate treatment. The other choices describe injuries that are serious but have a higher likelihood of survival with appropriate and timely intervention. The infant with an intermittent bulging anterior fontanel may have increased intracranial pressure requiring urgent evaluation, the preschooler with leg fractures can be stabilized and treated effectively, and the school-age child with singed hair likely has superficial burns which can be managed promptly.

5. A school-aged child has had a long leg (hip to ankle) synthetic cast applied 4 hours ago. Which statement from the mother indicates that teaching has been inadequate?

• A. I will keep the cast covered the next day to prevent skin burning.
• B. I can apply an ice pack over the area to relieve itching inside the cast.
• C. The cast should be propped on at least 2 pillows when my child is lying down.
• D. I think I remember that standing cannot be done until after 72 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because there is no need to wait 72 hours before allowing the child to stand. The synthetic cast does not affect weight-bearing capacity, and standing can be done as tolerated. Choice A is incorrect because keeping the cast covered can lead to damage or accidents. Choice B is acceptable as applying an ice pack can help relieve itching. Choice C is also correct as elevating the cast on pillows can help reduce swelling and promote comfort during rest.

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