Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Four clients: adolescent with sickle cell anemia and slurred speech, adolescent in skin traction with pain level 7, toddler with osteomyelitis, toddler with partial-thickness burnA nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A. The nurse should assess the adolescent with sickle cell anemia and slurred speech first. Slurred speech could indicate a neurological complication, such as a stroke or sickle cell crisis. Assessing this client first is crucial for immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B is incorrect because pain management, while important, is not as urgent as assessing neurological symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as the IV bolus can wait momentarily while addressing more critical issues. Choice D, the toddler with a burn, requires prompt care but is not as urgent as assessing slurred speech in a client with sickle cell anemia.
Choice B is incorrect because pain management, while important, is not as urgent as assessing neurological symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as the IV bolus can wait momentarily while addressing more critical issues. Choice D, the toddler with a burn, requires prompt care but is not as urgent as assessing slurred speech in a client with sickle cell anemia.