Question

An emergency room nurse assesses a client after a motor vehicle crash. The nurse notices a ""steering wheel mark"" across the client's chest. Which action should the nurse take?

a.Ask the client where in the car he or she was sitting during the crash.
b.Assess the client by gently palpating the abdomen for tenderness.
c.Notify the laboratory to draw blood for blood type and crossmatch.
d.Place the client on the stretcher in reverse Trendelenburg position.

Answer 1

The nurse should gently palpate the abdomen for tenderness to assess for potential underlying injuries indicated by the "steering wheel mark."

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client presents in the emergency room with a "steering wheel mark" across their chest after a motor vehicle crash, the most appropriate action for a nurse to take is to assess the client by gently palpating the abdomen for tenderness. This action, option b, is imperative because the appearance of a steering wheel imprint could indicate underlying thoracic or abdominal injuries including potential damage to internal organs. The mark may signify significant blunt force trauma which can cause serious conditions like aortic dissection or cardiac contusions. Therefore, palpation for abdominal tenderness coupled with further clinical assessment is crucial in detecting any possible internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Imaging, such as MRI or CT scanning, could also assist in identifying the extent and location of injuries.