ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 72 : Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male patient with multiple injuries is brought to the ED by ambulance. He has had his airway stabilized and is breathing on his own. The ED nurse does not see any active bleeding, but should suspect internal hemorrhage based on what finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid pulse and poor capillary refill suggest hypovolemia from internal hemorrhage. Increased BP or diaphoresis alone are less specific, and bruising absence doesn't rule it out.
Question 2 of 5
A 13-year-old is being admitted to the ED after falling from a roof and sustaining blunt abdominal injuries. To assess for internal injury in the patient's peritoneum, the nurse should anticipate what diagnostic test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CT scans effectively detect intraperitoneal injuries from blunt trauma. Radiographs are less detailed, CBC indicates blood loss but not location, and barium swallow is irrelevant.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is brought to the ER in an unconscious state. The physician notes that the patient is in need of emergency surgery. No family members are present, and the patient does not have identification. What action by the nurse is most important regarding consent for treatment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Documenting the patient's unconscious state and critical condition justifies emergency treatment without consent. Social workers can't sign, police contact delays care, and court orders are too slow.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is experiencing respiratory insufficiency and cannot maintain spontaneous respirations. The nurse suspects that the physician will perform which of the following actions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Endotracheal intubation ensures airway patency in respiratory insufficiency. Oropharyngeal airways are for spontaneous breathing, jaw thrust doesn't secure an airway, and cricothyroidotomy is a last resort.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is brought by friends to the ED after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The patient sustained blunt trauma to the abdomen. What nursing action would be most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immobilization on a backboard is necessary until spinal injury is ruled out in blunt trauma. Ambulation, Fowler's, or lateral positions risk worsening undiagnosed spinal injuries.