A client is in the emergency department with an esophageal trauma. The nurse palpates subcutaneous emphysema in the mediastinal area and up into the lower part of the client's neck. What action by the nurse takes priority?
a. Assess the client's oxygenation.
b. Facilitate a STAT chest x-ray.
c. Prepare for immediate surgery.
d. Start two large-bore IVs.
ANS: A
The priorities of care are airway, breathing, and circulation. The priority option is to assess oxygenation. This occurs before diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The client needs two large-bore IVs as a trauma client, but oxygenation comes first.
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