Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

In assessing a client with facial trauma in the emergency department, what is the priority assessment?

1. Soft tissue edema.

2. Facial asymmetry.

3. Active bleeding.

4. Altered respirations.

The correct answer is: Altered respirations.

In the context of assessing a client with facial trauma in the emergency department, prioritizing altered respirations is critical because facial injuries can significantly affect the airway and respiratory function. When a patient has sustained facial trauma, there is an immediate risk of airway compromise due to swelling, blood, or structural changes in the facial anatomy. Altered respirations can indicate that the airway is obstructed or that the patient is having difficulty breathing, which can lead to hypoxia and other life-threatening conditions if not addressed promptly. Therefore, ensuring that the airway is secure and that the patient can breathe adequately is paramount in emergency medicine; this is the first step in stabilizing the client’s condition. While soft tissue edema, facial asymmetry, and active bleeding are important assessments, they can be evaluated after ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and that respiratory function is intact. Prioritizing the assessment of altered respirations ensures that any immediate threats to life are managed before assessing other injuries.