What is the best method for a nurse to assess a client's pain level?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use a numeric pain scale. This method allows for quantitative assessment of pain intensity, aiding in accurate pain management. It is widely used in healthcare settings, providing a standardized way to communicate and monitor pain levels. Visual analog scale (B) is subjective and less precise than numeric scales. Facial expression scale (C) may be influenced by cultural factors and is subjective. Observing for signs of depression (D) is important but not specific to assessing pain intensity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply an airtight dressing. This is the first priority because it helps prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which can cause a tension pneumothorax. A tension pneumothorax can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and cardiac arrest. Applying an airtight dressing helps stabilize the condition until further medical intervention can be provided. Incorrect choices: A: Performing needle decompression is not the first priority as it is indicated for a tension pneumothorax once it has developed, not as a preventive measure. B: Applying a sterile dressing is important but not the first priority when dealing with a gunshot wound to the chest as sealing the wound to prevent air entry is more critical. D: Monitoring the client's ECG is not the first priority in this situation as addressing the potential tension pneumothorax takes precedence over monitoring the client's heart rhythm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are the primary treatment for DVT as they prevent blood clots from getting bigger and reduce the risk of new clots forming. This helps prevent complications like pulmonary embolism. Elevating the leg and applying compression (option B) can help with symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. Providing anticoagulant therapy (option C) is similar to the correct answer but lacks specificity. Applying compression stockings (option D) can help prevent complications but do not treat the existing clot.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it quickly reverses severe allergic reactions. It works by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart rate. These actions help to counteract the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. Applying antihistamines (B) may help with mild allergic reactions but are not sufficient for anaphylaxis. Administering morphine (C) or pain relief (D) is not appropriate initially as they do not address the immediate life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer anticoagulants. This is crucial for preventing blood clots post-surgery as they help thin the blood and reduce clot formation. Monitoring for arrhythmias (B) is important but not the priority in this case. While encouraging deep breathing (C) and fluid intake (D) are beneficial for post-surgical recovery, they do not directly address the risk of blood clot formation. Administering anticoagulants is the most effective intervention to prevent blood clots in high-risk surgical patients.