A nurse enters a client's room and discovers the client's abdominal incision is open with the large intestine protruding through the opening. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Alert the emergency response team.
Cover the area with sterile normal saline-soaked gauze.
Place the head of the client's bed at a 15° angle.
Prepare the client for surgery.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Alert the emergency response team: While alerting the team is important, it should not be the first action taken. Immediate care to protect the client’s integrity is the priority before involving additional personnel.
B) Cover the area with sterile normal saline-soaked gauze: This is the most immediate and critical action. Covering the exposed bowel with sterile saline-soaked gauze helps to prevent infection and keeps the tissue moist, which is essential until surgical intervention can be performed.
C) Place the head of the client's bed at a 15° angle: While positioning the client can help with comfort and possibly reduce further protrusion, it is not the priority action in this emergency situation. The exposed bowel requires immediate protection.
D) Prepare the client for surgery: Preparing for surgery is a necessary step, but it should follow the immediate care for the exposed intestine. Ensuring that the bowel is covered and protected takes precedence.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Acute loss of alveolar elasticity: While loss of alveolar elasticity can impact overall lung function, it is more associated with chronic conditions like emphysema rather than acute asthma attacks. In asthma, the primary issue is related to airway obstruction and inflammation rather than alveolar elasticity.
B) Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens: During an acute asthma attack, the airways typically exhibit increased sensitivity and responsiveness to allergens and irritants, not decreased responsiveness. This heightened response contributes to the bronchoconstriction and inflammation seen in asthma.
C) Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response: In an asthma attack, there is actually an exaggerated inflammatory response in the bronchioles. This inflammation leads to swelling, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, which contribute to the difficulty in breathing.
D) Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide: This is a significant factor during an acute asthma attack. The bronchoconstriction and airway obstruction make it difficult for the client to exhale fully, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide. This can cause respiratory acidosis and worsen the client's condition, highlighting the urgency of treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Decorticate posturing: This is a more severe and late sign of increased intracranial pressure and indicates significant neurological impairment. It is not typically seen as an early manifestation.
B) Restlessness: Restlessness is often one of the earliest signs of increased intracranial pressure. It can indicate changes in consciousness and may be the first observable change in a client's behavior as ICP begins to rise.
C) Projectile vomiting: This is usually a later sign of increased ICP and may occur as pressure continues to increase. It suggests significant involvement of the brain and is not an early manifestation.
D) Papilledema: While papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve head) can occur with increased ICP, it often takes time to develop and is not an immediate or early sign. It typically appears after sustained elevated ICP levels.