A client comes to the emergency department after being assaulted. Imaging studies show a simple fracture of the mandible. The nurse assesses edema of the face and jaw, drooling, and bleeding in the mouth; the client rates pain as a 9 out of 10. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A direct blow to the face or a motor vehicle collision is usually the cause of mandibular fracture. The client drools due to inability to close the mouth from edema and misalignment of the jaw. Structural damage, excessive saliva, and bleeding with pooled blood in the mouth can compromise the airway. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to suction the mouth and oropharynx to maintain airway patency. (Options A, B, and C) Administration of nasal oxygen to facilitate breathing, administration of opioids to control pain, and application of ice to reduce edema and help reduce pain are all appropriate interventions for this client. However, these are not the priority interventions as the greatest threat to the client's survival is airway occlusion. Educational objective: Common clinical manifestations in a client with a fractured mandible are pain, edema of the face and jaw, difficulty speaking, drooling, and bleeding. Appropriate nursing interventions include oral suction to maintain airway patency, administration of oxygen and analgesia, and application of ice to the face.

A Client Comes to the Emergency Department After Being Assaulted