Chapter 15

Question 1

Changes in the patient’s condition over time, such as slowing respiration’s or rising pulse rate, that may show improvement or deterioration, and that can be shown by documenting repeated assessments

Answer 1

Trending

Question 2

A procedure for detecting changes in a patient’s condition; it involves four steps: repeating the primary assessment, repeating and recording vital signs, repeating the focused assessment, and checking interventions

Answer 2

Reassessment

Question 3

What are the four steps of reassessment?

Answer 3

Repeating the primary assessment, repeating and recording vital signs, repeating the focused assessments, and checking interventions

Question 4

What is the purpose of performing a reassessment?

Answer 4

To repeat key elements of assessment procedures already performed in order to detect changes in patient condition

Question 5

Reassessment is done on all patients. However, the reassessments may be omitted in what case?

Answer 5

If life-saving interventions prevent doing it

Question 6

During a reassessment you notes that the patient’s pulse is rapid and her skin is cool, pale, and clammy. What might this indicate?

Answer 6

The onset of shock

Question 7

The mental status of an unresponsive child or infant can be checked by:

Answer 7

Shouting or by flicking the feet

Question 8

You are treating a patient who sustained a laceration to his right arm. The bleeding is controlled and there are no other injuries. Is this patient stable or unstable?

Answer 8

Stable

Question 9

You are treating a patient who has sustained a laceration to his right arm. The bleeding is controlled and he is stable. What is the recommended interval for reassessment?

Answer 9

15 minutes

Question 10

You were treating a patient who sustained a closed head injury when he was thrown off his bike. He is breathing adequately but is confused about the day of the week and his location. Is this patient stable or unstable?

Answer 10

Unstable

Question 11

You are treating a patient who sustained a closed head injury when he was thrown off his bike is breathing adequately but is confused about the day of the week and his location how often should you reassess?

Answer 11

Every five minutes

Question 12

During reassessment of an unresponsive patients you hear gurgling airway sounds. What intervention should be taken?

Answer 12

Suction the patient

Question 13

What are the six steps involved in repeating the primary assessment?

Answer 13

1) reassess mental status
2) Maintain an open airway
3) Monitor breathing
4) Monitor pulse (circulation)
5) monitor skin
6) reestablish patient priorities

Question 14

List the three steps you should always do when checking interventions

Answer 14

1) ensure adequacy of oxygen delivery and artificial ventilation
2) Ensure management of bleeding
3) Ensure adequacy of all other interventionsI