What would the nurse working in the emergency department identify as clinical priorities for the treatment of a client with a gunshot wound?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Airway maintenance
B) Obtaining medical history
C) Ventilation assistance
D) Hemorrhage control
E) Hypothermia prevention

Answer 1

Answer: A, C, D, E

Clinical priorities for the treatment of gunshot wound are the following: maintain airway and assist ventilation as necessary, control hemorrhage, prevent hypothermia. Also necessary is a rapid, recurrent assessment of the client's neurologic status, as well as prevention of infection. While obtaining the client's medical history is important, this action would not be priority and would take place after the priority assessment and treatment. Once the safety of the client is assured then the nurse will manage the client's emotional state and obtain the medical history.