A nurse is caring for a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in cervical trauma to C Which assessment is the priority?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: C4 trauma can impair the phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm. Respiratory failure is a life-threatening risk, making respiration the priority assessment over pain, temperature, or blood pressure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Heart failure can cause pulmonary edema (fluid in alveoli), impairing gas exchange and oxygenation, more than pneumothorax, bronchitis, or hyperventilation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A non-rebreather mask delivers up to 100% oxygen by preventing rebreathing exhaled air, exceeding nasal cannula (24-44%), simple mask (40-60%), or Venturi mask (24-50%).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia causes lung inflammation and consolidation, increasing resistance and the work of breathing, unlike hypertension, anemia, or diabetes, which affect circulation or metabolism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: ARDS causes alveolar collapse and fluid accumulation, impairing gas exchange and leading to hypoxemia, not high cardiac output, bronchodilation, or increased hemoglobin.