Author Question: A firefighter is brought to the emergency department with complaints of headache, weakness, ... (Read 43 times)

Kthamas · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A firefighter is brought to the emergency department with complaints of headache, weakness, shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. During the assessment of this client, the nurse realizes the client should be evaluated for:

1. cyanide poisoning.
2. pulmonary emboli.
3. pneumonia.
4. stroke.

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Which of the following should be included in this plan of care?

1. Avoid intramuscular injections.
2. Provide adequate daily caloric intake.
3. Perform range-of-motion exercises to all extremities twice a day.
4. Restrict fluids.

ong527 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1
Smoke inhalation poses a risk of hydrogen cyanide poisoning, especially for firefighters. Clinical manifestations of this disorder include headache, weakness, shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. The risk for pulmonary emboli, pneumonia, or stroke are not associated with fire or smoke inhalation.

Answer to Question 2

1
When planning care for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation, the nurse needs to incorporate careful handling of the client since bleeding occurs easily. Sharp objects are to be avoided such as razors and intramuscular injections. Dietary intake and range-of-motion exercises are important for all critically ill clients; however, avoiding sharps is the priority for a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation. There is no physiological reason to restrict fluids in this client.