The nurse is working in the emergency department (ED) of a children’s medical center. Which client should the nurse assess first?1. The 1-month-old infant who has developed colic and is crying.2. The 2-year-old toddler who was bitten by another child at the day-care center. 3. The 6-year-old school-age child who was hit by a car while riding a bicycle.4. The 14-year-old adolescent whose mother suspects her child is sexually active.
In the given scenario, the nurse should assess the 6-year-old school-age child who was hit by a car while riding a bicycle as the first priority
In the given scenario, the nurse should assess the 6-year-old school-age child who was hit by a car while riding a bicycle as the first priority.
The priority in this situation is based on the concept of triage, which is the process of determining the urgency of patients’ conditions and assigning a priority for medical treatment. Triage is essential in the emergency department to ensure that the most critical patients receive immediate attention.
In this case, the 6-year-old child who was hit by a car is the highest priority as they have suffered a significant traumatic injury. Trauma is a medical emergency that requires immediate assessment and intervention due to the potential for severe internal injuries. The child may have internal bleeding, fractures, or head injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, the nurse should urgently assess the child’s vital signs, conduct a thorough physical examination, and promptly initiate appropriate interventions to stabilize their condition. This may involve calling for assistance from the trauma team or preparing for emergency surgery if required.
Once the immediate needs of the child who was hit by a car are addressed, the nurse should then assess the remaining clients based on their respective conditions.
The 2-year-old toddler who was bitten by another child at the daycare center would be the next priority after the 6-year-old child. While a bite may require medical attention, it is generally not life-threatening unless complications develop. The nurse should assess the toddler for any signs of infection, provide appropriate wound care, and consult with the healthcare provider if necessary.
The 1-month-old infant with colic who is crying would be the third priority. Colic, although distressing for the infant and their caregivers, is not a life-threatening condition. The nurse can assess the infant’s vital signs, perform a physical examination, and provide comfort measures to address the colic symptoms.
Lastly, the 14-year-old adolescent whose mother suspects sexual activity would be the lowest priority in this situation. While addressing concerns related to sexual activity is important, it does not present an immediate threat to the adolescent’s health. The nurse can provide education and support to the adolescent and their mother, while addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
Overall, prioritizing the assessment and management of clients in the emergency department is crucial to ensure that the most critical cases are attended to first.
More Answers:
Prioritizing Pediatric Assessment: Pneumonia Symptoms in a Child with Compromised Respiratory HealthHow to Prioritize the Emotional Well-being of a Child after Surgery: The First Action to Implement
Assessing Neurological Status in a Child with Vaso-Occlusive Sickle Cell Crisis: A Critical Intervention for Headache Management