Chapter 70 Emergency, Trauma, and Environmental Injuries

A provider prescribes a rewarming bath for a client who presents with partial-thickness frostbite. Which action should the nurse take prior to starting this treatment? a. Administer intravenous morphine. b. Wrap the limb with a compression dressing. c. Massage the frostbitten areas. d. Assess the limb for compartment syndrome.

a. Administer intravenous morphine.

The emergency department team is performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a client when the clients spouse arrives at the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Request that the clients spouse sit in the waiting room. b. Ask the spouse if he wishes to be present during the resuscitation. c. Suggest that the spouse begin to pray for the client. d. Refer the clients spouse to the hospitals crisis team

b. Ask the spouse if he wishes to be present during the resuscitation.

A trauma client with multiple open wounds is brought to the emergency department in cardiac arrest. Which action should the nurse take prior to providing advanced cardiac life support? a. Contact the on-call orthopedic surgeon. b. Don personal protective equipment. c. Notify the Rapid Response Team. d. Obtain a complete history from the paramedic.

b. Don personal protective equipment.

Which treatment should the nurse prepare to administer when providing care to a toddler who presents after an accidental overdose of aspirin? 1) Gastric lavage 2) Activated charcoal 3) Peritoneal dialysis 4) Vitamin D injection

2) Activated charcoal

Which is a potentially life-threatening condition found during the primary triage survey that would necessitate priority nursing care? 1) Cystitis 2) Concussion 3) Lacerated arm 4) Fractured femur

2) Concussion

The nurse is conducting a primary survey during the emergency assessment. Which nursing action is appropriate during the breathing assessment? 1) Assessing for edema 2) Counting respiratory rate 3) Checking for foreign bodies 4) Monitoring for respiratory distress

2) Counting respiratory rate

Which nursing actions are appropriate during the primary survey of the emergency assessment process? Select all that apply. 1) Inserting a nasogastric tube 2) Immobilizing the cervical spine 3) Arranging for diagnostic studies 4) Preparing for chest tube insertion 5) Applying direct pressure to a wound

2) Immobilizing the cervical spine 4) Preparing for chest tube insertion 5) Applying direct pressure to a wound

Which observation indicates that interventions provided to a patient with neck injuries from a motor vehicle crash have been successful? 1) Urine is clear and odorless from indwelling catheter 2) Moves all four extremities independently, feeds self, and participates in partial bath 3) Unable to move independently in bed 4) Rests in bed with lights and television turned off

2) Moves all four extremities independently, feeds self, and participates in partial bath

The nurse is providing care to several patients in the emergency department. Which patient would require priority care from the nurse? 1) An adult patient with an ankle sprain 2) An infant with a rash of unknown origin 3) An adult patient with unstable vital signs and chest pain 4) A pediatric patient with multiple fractures following a motor vehicle accident

3) An adult patient with unstable vital signs and chest pain

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient with traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. Which nursing intervention does the nurse include in the plan of care to reduce the risk of integumentary complications? 1) Provide active or passive exercises at least once every eight hours 2) Encourage coughing, deep breathing, and incentive spirometry 3) Assist the patient in turning at least every two hours 4) Assist the patient in turning at least every eight hours

3) Assist the patient in turning at least every two hours

An emergency room nurse assesses a client who has been raped. With which health care team member should the nurse collaborate when planning this clients care? a. Emergency medicine physician b. Case manager c. Forensic nurse examiner d. Psychiatric crisis nurse

C. Forensic nurse examiner

An emergency department nurse cares for a middle-aged mountain climber who is confused and exhibits bizarre behaviors. After administering oxygen, which priority intervention should the nurse implement? a. Administer dexamethasone (Decadron). b. Complete a minimental state examination. c. Prepare the client for computed tomography of the brain. d. Request a psychiatric consult.

a. Administer dexamethasone (Decadron).

An emergency room nurse is triaging victims of a multi-casualty event. Which client should receive care first? a. A 30-year-old distraught mother holding her crying child b. A 65-year-old conscious male with a head laceration c. A 26-year-old male who has pale, cool, clammy skin d. A 48-year-old with a simple fracture of the lower leg

c. A 26-year-old male who has pale, cool, clammy skin

A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should the nurse classify as nonurgent? a. A 44-year-old with chest pain and diaphoresis b. A 50-year-old with chest trauma and absent breath sounds c. A 62-year-old with a simple fracture of the left arm d. A 79-year-old with a temperature of 104 F

c. A 62-year-old with a simple fracture of the left arm

While at a public park, a nurse encounters a person immediately after a bee sting. The persons lips are swollen, and wheezes are audible. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Elevate the site and notify the persons next of kin. b. Remove the stinger with tweezers and encourage rest. c. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and apply ice. d. Administer an EpiPen from the first aid kit and call 911.

d. Administer an EpiPen from the first aid kit and call 911.

An emergency department nurse is caring for a client who has died from a suspected homicide. Which action should the nurse take? a. Remove all tubes and wires in preparation for the medical examiner. b. Limit the number of visitors to minimize the family's trauma. c. Consult the bereavement committee to follow up with the grieving family. d. Communicate the clients death to the family in a simple and concrete manner.

d. Communicate the clients death to the family in a simple and concrete manner.

A patient is brought into the emergency department after being assaulted. It is suspected that the patient has a spinal cord injury. Which diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate based on the data collected? 1) Computed tomography (CT) scan 2) X-ray 3) Ultrasound 4) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

4) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

What should the nurse do to assist a patient brought to the emergency department as a victim of a gunshot wound? 1) Ask the patient who shot him 2) Bathe the patient and provide a clean gown 3) Ask the patient where the weapon is 4) Preserve the chain of evidence

4) Preserve the chain of evidence

A patient recovering from a motor vehicle crash develops hypotension and jugular distension with a tracheal deviation. Based on this data, which should the nurse suspect occurred? 1) Hemorrhage 2) Compensatory shock 3) Hypovolemic shock 4) Tension pneumothorax

4) Tension pneumothorax

The emergency department nurse is triaging patients. Which patient should be prioritized? 1) An adult patient experiencing mild chest pain 2) An adolescent patient with a possible fractured wrist 3) An older adult patient with a hip fracture who is in pain 4) A school-age patient with asthma presenting with dyspnea

4) A school-age patient with asthma presenting with dyspnea

Which are the top priorities when conducting a primary patient survey during the emergency assessment? Select all that apply. 1) Airway 2) Disability 3) Breathing 4) Circulation 5) Cervical spine

1) Airway 5) Cervical spine

What would the nurse working in the emergency department identify as clinical priorities for the treatment of a patient with a gunshot wound? Select all that apply. 1) Airway maintenance 2) Obtaining medical history 3) Ventilation assistance 4) Hemorrhage control 5) Hypothermia prevention

1) Airway maintenance 3) Ventilation assistance 4) Hemorrhage control 5) Hypothermia prevention

A medical-surgical unit is expecting a large volume of patient admissions after a train derailment. Which member of the nursing care team will prioritize care for the unit? 1) Charge nurse 2) Nurse supervisor 3) Licensed practical nurse 4) Unlicensed assistive personnel

1) Charge nurse

The nurse is conducting a secondary survey as part of the emergency assessment. Which is the priority nursing action during the health history portion of the assessment? 1) Determining drug allergies 2) Noting the general appearance 3) Examining the neck for stiffness 4) Auscultating for heart and lung sounds

1) Determining drug allergies

Which are the priority nursing actions after the completion of the secondary survey when providing care for a trauma patient with a penetrating wound? 1) Documenting the patient's care 2) Formulating the patient's plan of care 3) Reassessing the patient's level of consciousness 4) Transferring the patient to the general medical unit

1) Documenting the patient's care

The nurse is conducting a primary survey during an emergency assessment. Which is the priority nursing action related to breathing in response to this assessment? 1) Having suction available 2) Assessing pupil size and reactivity 3) Immobilizing any obvious deformities 4) Obtaining blood samples for type and crossmatch

1) Having suction available

The registered nurse (RN) is the team leader for a group of patients using the functional model of nursing. The team of nurses includes two licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task will the RN delegate to the UAP? 1) Taking vital signs 2) Providing wound care 3) Conducting discharge teaching 4) Administering oral medications

1) Taking vital signs

Which member of the health-care team, when using the team nursing approach, is responsible for prioritizing patient care? 1) Team leader 2) Charge nurse 3) Licensed practical nurse 4) Unlicensed assistive personnel

1) Team leader

The nurse is providing care to a trauma patient. What is the correct order of steps the nurse will implement when providing care to this patient? Select all that apply. (Enter the number of each step in the proper sequence; do not use punctuation or spaces. Example: 1234) 1) Clear the airway 2) Protect the cervical spine 3) Perform chest compressions 4) Provide supplemental oxygen

1243

Which is the essential nursing skill for the triage process in the emergency department? 1) Evaluating care 2) Setting priorities 3) Formulating diagnoses 4) Implementing interventions

2) Setting priorities

Which is the priority nursing action when providing care to a patient with a penetrating abdominal wound? 1) Assessing bowel sounds 2) Stabilizing the impaled object 3) Administering prescribed pain medication 4) Scheduling a CT scan to determine retroperitoneal bleeding

2) Stabilizing the impaled object

Which assessment data related to the patient's airway would indicate the need for priority intervention by the nurse? 1) Eupnea 2) Tachycardia 3) Hypotension 4) Agonal breaths

4) Agonal breaths

Which nursing action is appropriate when conducting a secondary survey during the emergency assessment? 1) Maintaining privacy 2) Having suction available 3) Giving supplemental oxygen 4) Assigning a nurse to support family members

4) Assigning a nurse to support family members

Which intervention would be a priority when providing care to a patient recovering from thoracic injuries sustained from a motor vehicle crash? 1) Monitor urine output 2) Assess vital signs 3) Perform passive range of motion to all extremities 4) Assist to deep breathe and cough every two hours

4) Assist to deep breathe and cough every two hours

Which assessment data indicates the patient is experiencing a late symptom associated with chronic aspirin overdose? 1) Emesis 2) Nausea 3) Tinnitus 4) Ecchymosis

4) Ecchymosis

The nurse is providing care to several patients in the emergency department. Which patient is the priority when using the three-tiered triage system? 1) A patient with a simple fracture 2) A patient experiencing renal colic 3) A patient with severe abdominal pain 4) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis

4) A patient with chest pain and diaphoresis

The nurse is providing care to several patients in the emergency department. In which order should the nurse assess and provide care to the patients? (Enter the number of each step in the proper sequence; do not use punctuation or spaces. Example: 1234) 1) A patient with a leg laceration requiring sutures 2) A patient with abdominal pain rated as a 7 on a numeric pain scale 3) A patient who has multiple trauma due to a motor vehicle accident 4) A patient who took an overdose of opioids with a respiratory rate of eight breaths per minute

4321

An emergency department nurse plans care for a client who is admitted with heat stroke. Which interventions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer oxygen via mask or nasal cannula. b. Administer ibuprofen, an antipyretic medication. c. Apply cooling techniques until core body temperature is less than 101 F. d. Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride via a large-bore intravenous cannula. e. Obtain baseline serum electrolytes and cardiac enzymes

a. Administer oxygen via mask or nasal cannula. d. Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride via a large-bore intravenous cannula. e. Obtain baseline serum electrolytes and cardiac enzymes

Emergency medical technicians arrive at the emergency department with an unresponsive client who has an oxygen mask in place. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Assess that the client is breathing adequately. b. Insert a large-bore intravenous line. c. Place the client on a cardiac monitor. d. Assess for the best neurologic response

a. Assess that the client is breathing adequately.

A nurse teaches a client who has severe allergies to prevent bug bites. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Consult an exterminator to control bugs in and around your home. b. Do not swat at insects or wasps. c. Wear sandals whenever you go outside. d. Keep your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector in a bedside drawer. e. Use screens in your windows and doors to prevent flying insects from entering.

a. Consult an exterminator to control bugs in and around your home. b. Do not swat at insects or wasps. e. Use screens in your windows and doors to prevent flying insects from entering.

While on a camping trip, a nurse cares for an adult client who had a drowning incident in a lake and is experiencing agonal breathing with a palpable pulse. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Deliver rescue breaths. b. Wrap the client in dry blankets. c. Assess for signs of bleeding. d. Check for a carotid pulse.

a. Deliver rescue breaths.

An emergency department nurse assesses a client admitted after a lightning strike. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Electrocardiogram (ECG) b. Wound inspection c. Creatinine kinase d. Computed tomography of head

a. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An emergency department nurse moves to a new city where heat-related illnesses are common. Which clients does the nurse anticipate being at higher risk for heat-related illnesses? (Select all that apply.) a. Homeless individuals b. Illicit drug users c. White people d. Hockey players e. Older adults

a. Homeless individuals b. Illicit drug users e. Older adults

A nurse teaches a community health class about water safety. Which statement by a participant indicates that additional teaching is needed? a. I can go swimming all by myself because I am a certified lifeguard. b. I cannot leave my toddler alone in the bathtub for even a minute. c. I will appoint one adult to supervise the pool at all times during a party. d. I will make sure that there is a phone near my pool in case of an emergency.

a. I can go swimming all by myself because I am a certified lifeguard.

An emergency department (ED) nurse is preparing to transfer a client to the trauma intensive care unit. Which information should the nurse include in the nurse-to-nurse hand-off report? (Select all that apply.) a. Mechanism of injury b. Diagnostic test results c. Immunizations d. List of home medications e. Isolation precautions

a. Mechanism of injury b. Diagnostic test results e. Isolation precautions

The complex care provided during an emergency requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Which interdisciplinary team members are paired with the correct responsibilities? (Select all that apply.) a. Psychiatric crisis nurse Interacts with clients and families when sudden illness, serious injury, or death of a loved one may cause a crisis b. Forensic nurse examiner Performs rapid assessments to ensure clients with the highest acuity receive the quickest evaluation, treatment, and prioritization of resources c. Triage nurse Provides basic life support interventions such as oxygen, basic wound care, splinting, spinal immobilization, and monitoring of vital signs d. Emergency medical technician Obtains client histories, collects evidence, and offers counseling and follow- up care for victims of rape, child abuse, and domestic violence e. Paramedic Provides prehospital advanced life support, including cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management, and medication administration

a. Psychiatric crisis nurse Interacts with clients and families when sudden illness, serious injury, or death of a loved one may cause a crisis e. Paramedic Provides prehospital advanced life support, including cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management, and medication administration

A nurse is providing health education at a community center. Which instructions should the nurse include in teaching about the prevention of lightning injuries during a storm? (Select all that apply.) a. Seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. b. Hide under a tall tree. c. Do not take a bath or shower. d. Turn off the television. e. Remove all body piercings. f. Put down golf clubs or gardening tools.

a. Seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. c. Do not take a bath or shower. d. Turn off the television f. Put down golf clubs or gardening tools.

A nurse is teaching a wilderness survival class. Which statements should the nurse include about the prevention of hypothermia and frostbite? (Select all that apply.) a. Wear synthetic clothing instead of cotton to keep your skin dry. b. Drink plenty of fluids. Brandy can be used to keep your body warm. c. Remove your hat when exercising to prevent the loss of heat. d. Wear sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from harmful rays. e. Know your physical limits. Come in out of the cold when limits are reached.

a. Wear synthetic clothing instead of cotton to keep your skin dry. d. Wear sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from harmful rays. e. Know your physical limits. Come in out of the cold when limits are reached.

A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department (ED). Which client should the nurse prioritize to receive care first? a. A 22-year-old with a painful and swollen right wrist b. A 45-year-old reporting chest pain and diaphoresis c. A 60-year-old reporting difficulty swallowing and nausea d. An 81-year-old with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min and a temperature of 101 F

b. A 45-year-old reporting chest pain and diaphoresis

A client presents to the emergency department after prolonged exposure to the cold. The client is difficult to arouse and speech is incoherent. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Reposition the client into a prone position. b. Administer warmed intravenous fluids to the client. c. Wrap the clients extremities in warm blankets. d. Initiate extracorporeal rewarming via hemodialysis.

b. Administer warmed intravenous fluids to the client.

A provider prescribes diazepam (Valium) to a client who was bitten by a black widow spider. The client asks, What is this medication for? How should the nurse respond? a. This medication is an antivenom for this type of bite. b. It will relieve your muscle rigidity and spasms. c. It prevents respiratory difficulty from excessive secretions. d. This medication will prevent respiratory failure

b. It will relieve your muscle rigidity and spasms.

A nurse is evaluating levels and functions of trauma centers. Which function is appropriately paired with the level of the trauma center? a. Level I Located within remote areas and provides advanced life support within resource capabilities b. Level II Located within community hospitals and provides care to most injured clients c. Level III Located in rural communities and provides only basic care to clients d. Level IV Located in large teaching hospitals and provides a full continuum of trauma care for all clients

b. Level II Located within community hospitals and provides care to most injured clients

An emergency room nurse is caring for a trauma client. Which interventions should the nurse perform during the primary survey? (Select all that apply.) a. Foley catheterization b. Needle decompression c. Initiating IV fluids d. Splinting open fractures e. Endotracheal intubation f. Removing wet clothing g. Laceration repair

b. Needle decompression c. Initiating IV fluids e. Endotracheal intubation f. Removing wet clothing

On a hot humid day, an emergency department nurse is caring for a client who is confused and has these vital signs: temperature 104.1 F (40.1 C), pulse 132 beats/min, respirations 26 breaths/min, blood pressure 106/66 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? a. Encourage the client to drink cool water or sports drinks. b. Start an intravenous line and infuse 0.9% saline solution. c. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally. d. Encourage rest and re-assess in 15 minutes.

b. Start an intravenous line and infuse 0.9% saline solution.

A nurse plans care for a client admitted with a snakebite to the right leg. With whom should the nurse collaborate? a. The facilitys neurologist b. The poison control center c. The physical therapy department d. A herpetologist (snake specialist)

b. The poison control center

1. A nurse is caring for clients in a busy emergency department. Which actions should the nurse take to ensure client and staff safety? (Select all that apply.) a. Leave the stretcher in the lowest position with rails down so that the client can access the bathroom. b. Use two identifiers before each intervention and before mediation administration. c. Attempt de-escalation strategies for clients who demonstrate aggressive behaviors. d. Search the belongings of clients with altered mental status to gain essential medical information. e. Isolate clients who have immune suppression disorders to prevent hospital-acquired in

b. Use two identifiers before each intervention and before mediation administration. c. Attempt de-escalation strategies for clients who demonstrate aggressive behaviors. d. Search the belongings of clients with altered mental status to gain essential medical information.

A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should be considered urgent? a. A 20-year-old female with a chest stab wound and tachycardia b. A 45-year-old homeless man with a skin rash and sore throat c. A 75-year-old female with a cough and a temperature of 102 F d. A 50-year-old male with new-onset confusion and slurred speech

c. A 75-year-old female with a cough and a temperature of 102 F

A provider prescribes Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (CroFab) for a client who is admitted after being bitten by a pit viper snake. Which assessment should the nurse complete prior to administering this medication? a. Assess temperature and for signs of fever. b. Check the clients creatinine kinase level. c. Ask about allergies to pineapple or papaya. d. Inspect the skin for signs of urticaria (hives).

c. Ask about allergies to pineapple or papaya.

A nurse assesses a client recently bitten by a coral snake. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Unilateral peripheral swelling b. Clotting times c. Cardiopulmonary status d. Electrocardiogram rhythm

c. Cardiopulmonary status

An emergency department nurse is caring for a client who is homeless. Which action should the nurse take to gain the clients trust? a. Speak in a quiet and monotone voice. b. Avoid eye contact with the client. c. Listen to the clients concerns and needs. d. Ask security to store the clients belongings

c. Listen to the clients concerns and needs.

After teaching a client how to prevent altitude-related illnesses, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching? a. If my climbing partner cant think straight, we should descend to a lower altitude. b. I will ask my provider about medications to help prevent acute mountain sickness. c. My partner and I will plan to sleep at a higher elevation to acclimate more quickly. d. I will drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while on the mountain

c. My partner and I will plan to sleep at a higher elevation to acclimate more quickly.

An emergency department (ED) case manager is consulted for a client who is homeless. Which intervention should the case manager provide? a. Communicate client needs and restrictions to support staff. b. Prescribe low-cost antibiotics to treat community-acquired infection. c. Provide referrals to subsidized community-based health clinics. d. Offer counseling for substance abuse and mental health di

c. Provide referrals to subsidized community-based health clinics.

While triaging clients in a crowded emergency department, a nurse assesses a client who presents with symptoms of tuberculosis. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula b. Administer intravenous 0.9% saline solution c. Transfer the client to a negative-pressure room d. Obtain a sputum culture and sensitivity.

c. Transfer the client to a negative-pressure room

A nurse assesses a client admitted with a brown recluse spider bite. Which priority assessment should the nurse perform to identify complications of this bite? a. Ask the client about pruritus at the bite site. b. Inspect the bite site for a bluish purple vesicle. c. Assess the extremity for redness and swelling. d. Monitor the clients temperature every 4 hour

d. Monitor the clients temperature every 4 hour

A nurse prepares to discharge an older adult client home from the emergency department (ED). Which actions should the nurse take to prevent future ED visits? (Select all that apply.) a. Provide medical supplies to the family. b. Consult a home health agency. c. Encourage participation in community activities. d. Screen for depression and suicide. e. Complete a functional assessment

d. Screen for depression and suicide. e. Complete a functional assessment.