the nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department which of the following clients should the nurse see first
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023

1. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected sepsis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with suspected sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs like temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Administering antibiotics promptly is also vital to treat the infection causing sepsis. This approach helps in preventing the progression of sepsis to severe stages and reduces the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because only monitoring signs of infection and confusion may delay necessary treatment with antibiotics. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses only on fever and oxygen saturation, missing other important vital signs. Choice D is incorrect because assessing for confusion alone is not sufficient, and administering fluids should be guided by the patient's fluid status rather than being an initial step in suspected sepsis assessment.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chronic pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client experiencing chronic pain is to teach relaxation techniques, as it helps in managing pain more effectively by reducing stress and anxiety. Distractions like television (Choice A) may offer temporary relief but do not address the root cause of chronic pain. Administering pain medication around the clock (Choice B) may lead to dependency and not promote long-term pain management. While massage therapy (Choice D) can be beneficial, teaching relaxation techniques (Choice C) is more directly focused on empowering the client to manage their pain independently.

4. What are the common signs and symptoms of dehydration in the elderly?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Dehydration in the elderly is often signaled by dry mouth, confusion, and decreased skin turgor due to reduced fluid intake. Choice A is the correct answer as these are common signs and symptoms of dehydration in the elderly.\nIncorrect Rationales: Option B (Increased heart rate and muscle cramps) are more associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism or electrolyte imbalances rather than dehydration. Option C (Fever, rapid breathing, and increased urine output) are signs of other medical conditions such as infections or diabetes insipidus. Option D (Increased thirst and difficulty walking) can be seen in various situations but are not specific signs of dehydration in the elderly.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Cut toenails straight across.' This instruction is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent ingrown toenails and potential foot complications. Soaking feet in hot water daily (Choice A) can lead to skin damage and is not recommended for diabetic individuals. Using a heating pad on the feet daily (Choice B) can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in the feet that often accompanies diabetes. Massaging feet with lotion daily (Choice D) is generally safe but may not address the specific preventive measure of cutting toenails correctly.

Similar Questions

What should a healthcare professional assess in a patient presenting with symptoms of a stroke?
A client with dementia is at risk of falls. Which intervention should the nurse implement to ensure safety?
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A healthcare professional is caring for a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is prescribed aspirin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?
A client with hypertension is asking for lifestyle changes. What should the nurse recommend?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses