A 24-year-old unrestrained driver who sustained multiple traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash has a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg at the scene. The primary survey of this patient upon arrival to the ED:

a. includes a cervical spine x-ray study to determine the presence of a fracture.
b. involves turning the patient from side to side to get a look at his back.
c. is done quickly in the first few minutes to get a baseline assessment and establish priorities.
d. is a methodical head-to-toe assessment identifying injuries and treatment priorities.


C
The primary survey is a systematic rapid assessment of the patient's airway with cervical spine immobilization, breathing and ventilation, circulation with hemorrhage control, disability or neurological status, and exposure/environmental considerations. The secondary survey is more methodical and involves identifying injuries and specific treatment priorities.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A school nurse assesses a child who has an erythematous circular patch of vesicles on her scalp with alopecia and complains of pain and pruritus. Why would the nurse use a Woods lamp?

a. To dry out the lesions b. To reduce the pruritus c. To kill the fungus d. To cause fluorescence of the infected hairs

Nursing

A nurse is providing education to a patient with iron deficiency anemia who has been prescribed iron supplements. What should the nurse include in health education?

A) Take the iron with dairy products to enhance absorption. B) Increase the intake of vitamin E to enhance absorption. C) Iron will cause the stools to darken in color. D) Limit foods high in fiber due to the risk for diarrhea.

Nursing

A client is going home after an endoscopic transnasal hypophysectomy. Which statement by the client indicates an adequate understanding of discharge instructions?

a. "I will wear dark glasses whenever I am outdoors." b. "I will keep food on upper shelves so I do not have to bend over." c. "I will wash the incision line every day with peroxide and redress it immediately." d. "I will remember to cough and deep breathe every 2 hours while I am awake."

Nursing

During the "fight or flight" reaction, sympathetic nerves become active and release ________.

A. serotonin B. gamma-aminobutyric acid C. acetylcholine D. norepinephrine

Nursing