What is the first priority when caring for a client with a gunshot wound to the chest?

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 thrombolytics. Thrombolytics help dissolve blood clots causing the stroke, restoring blood flow to the brain. This intervention is time-sensitive to prevent further brain damage. Administering aspirin (B) is important but not the priority over thrombolytics. Performing an ECG (C) assesses heart function, not the immediate intervention for stroke. Administering corticosteroids (D) is not indicated in acute stroke management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action for a nurse when caring for a client with acute shortness of breath is to administer oxygen (Choice A). Oxygen is essential to support the client's respiratory function and improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (Choice B) may be considered later for certain underlying conditions, but oxygen takes precedence. Administering pain relief (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Placing the client in a supine position (Choice D) can potentially worsen respiratory distress in some cases, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because building trust with patients is crucial for effective communication and promoting patient cooperation. Trust takes time to develop and is essential in gaining accurate information about a patient's health. Patients may not disclose all information if they do not trust the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because patients may withhold information for various reasons. Choice C is incorrect as not all patients seeking care may fully understand the Canadian health care system. Choice D is incorrect because not all patients may recognize the importance of answering all questions, especially if they are uncomfortable or lack trust in the healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mammography is used to detect tumors in the breast tissue by taking X-ray images. Tumors can be cancerous or benign, making early detection crucial for treatment. Pain (A) is a symptom, not detected by mammography. Edema (C) is swelling caused by fluid retention, not a primary target of mammography. Epilepsy (D) is a neurological disorder, unrelated to mammography's purpose. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: decrease maternal fluids. When fetal distress is indicated, decreasing maternal fluids helps prevent further stress on the fetus by reducing the volume of amniotic fluid. This can help improve blood flow to the placenta and oxygen delivery to the baby. Increasing maternal fluids (choice A) can worsen the situation by potentially increasing amniotic fluid volume and further compromising fetal oxygenation. Administering oxygen (choice B) is important to improve oxygen supply to the fetus. Turning the mother (choice D) can help relieve pressure on the baby but is not the primary action when fetal distress is indicated.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing the patient's respiratory status. After administering pain medication, especially opioids, it is crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory status due to the risk of respiratory depression. This assessment is a priority because respiratory depression can be life-threatening. Other choices are not as immediate: A, assessing for addiction, can be done but is not as critical at this moment; B, assessing pain level, is important but comes after ensuring the patient's safety; D, assessing for infection, is not directly related to the immediate effects of pain medication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should prevent infiltration of calcium to avoid tissue necrosis and sloughing. Infiltration of calcium can lead to severe tissue damage due to its caustic nature. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring the IV site and ensuring proper placement to prevent this complication. Choice A is incorrect because infusing hypertonic solutions rapidly can lead to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because exceeding the recommended amount of potassium per liter of fluid can result in hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. Choice D is incorrect because calcium does not diminish digitalis's action; in fact, calcium can potentiate the effects of digitalis.