A nurse is caring for a patient who was in a motor vehicle ...

[SGallaher96]

A nurse is caring for a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in cervical trauma to C4. Which assessment is the priority?
 
  a. Pulse
  b. Respirations
  c. Temperature
  d. Blood pressure

Question 2

The nurse is teaching about the process of exchanging gases through the alveolar capillary membrane. Which term will the nurse use to describe this process?
 
  a. Ventilation
  b. Surfactant
  c. Perfusion
  d. Diffusion

[qytan]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Respirations and oxygen saturation are the priorities. Cervical trauma at C3 to C5 usually results in paralysis of the phrenic nerve. When the phrenic nerve is damaged, the diaphragm does not descend properly, thus reducing inspiratory lung volumes and causing hypoxemia. While pulse and blood pressure are important, respirations are the priority. Temperature is not a high priority in this situation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Diffusion is the process of gases exchanging across the alveoli and capillaries of body tissues. Ventilation is the process of moving gases into and out of the lungs. Surfactant is a chemical produced in the lungs to maintain the surface tension of the alveoli and keep them from collapsing. Perfusion is the ability of the cardiovascular system to carry oxygenated blood to tissues and return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

[SGallaher96]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[ttt030911]

Gracias!