The nurse is triaging clients from the waiting room. The care of which client is a priority?

Question

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Foreign body aspiration can be life-threatening depending on the object's location, type, and size. Up to 50% of children with foreign body ingestion are asymptomatic at the beginning. Alkaline batteries can be corrosive to the esophageal and intestinal mucosa; if ingested, they must be removed emergently by endoscopy as perforation can occur. (Option B) This client likely has nursemaid's elbow due to the mechanism (swinging by the arms) by which the injury occurred. This condition is common in children and characterized by a subluxation of the radial head. It can seem like an urgent condition due to the suddenness of the child's inability to use the arm. A simple reduction of the arm by a health care provider should reposition the radial head. (Option C) Clients with cerebral palsy commonly have an implanted baclofen pump to help control muscle spasms. Increased spasms indicate a possible problem with the pump, such as infection or displacement. Baclofen should not be stopped abruptly. This client needs prompt evaluation, but the condition is not immediately life-threatening. (Option D) Osteogenesis imperfecta (imperfect bones) is a condition in which bones are brittle and fracture easily. Head trauma indicates a possible skull fracture and alerts the need to assess for intracranial hemorrhage. This child is walking, and so bleeding is unlikely. However, the child should be examined for fracture. Educational objective: Foreign body aspiration can be life-threatening. Alkaline battery ingestion can cause corrosive (caustic) damage to the esophagus and intestine and result in perforation. Therefore, batteries must be removed emergently by endoscopy.

The Nurse Is Triaging Clients from the Waiting Room