Question

A nurse who is working in the emergency department triage area is presented with four clients at the same time. The client presenting with which symptoms requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

A. Unable to bear weight on the left foot, with swelling and bruising.
B. Chest discomfort one hour after consuming a large spicy meal.
C. Low-grade fever, headache and malaise for the past 72 hours.
D. One-inch bleeding laceration on the chin of a crying 5-year-old.

Answer 1

The client presenting with the most immediate intervention required by the nurse is option B. Chest discomfort one hour after consuming a large spicy meal. This could be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client presenting with the most immediate intervention required by the nurse is option B. Chest discomfort one hour after consuming a large spicy meal.

Chest discomfort after consuming a large spicy meal could be a sign of a heart attack, specifically if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it could indicate a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.

The other options mentioned in the question do not present as immediate emergencies. Option A, unable to bear weight on the left foot with swelling and bruising, might indicate a possible sprain or fracture, but it is not life-threatening. Option C, low-grade fever, headache, and malaise for the past 72 hours, may suggest a viral infection or flu-like symptoms but does not require immediate intervention. Option D, a one-inch bleeding laceration on the chin of a crying 5-year-old, can be managed with cleaning, suturing, and appropriate wound care.