During the primary assessment of a patient with multiple trauma, the nurse observes that the patient's right pedal pulses are absent and the leg is swollen. The nurse's first action should be to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The assessment data indicate that the patient may have arterial trauma and hemorrhage. When a possibly life-threatening injury is found during the primary survey, the nurse should immediately start interventions before proceeding with the survey. Although a CBC is indicated, administration of IV fluids should be started first. Completion of the primary survey and further assessment should be completed after the IV fluids are initiated.

During the Primary Assessment of a Patient with Multiple Trauma