Swift River Virtual Clinicals 2.0 – Emergency Department (ED) Practice Exam

In the scenario where a 40-year-old client is experiencing difficulty breathing when supine after a motor vehicle collision (MVC), the most appropriate primary assessment is an X-ray. This choice is correct because an X-ray can help identify any potential injuries to the chest or lungs, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, or rib fractures, all of which could impair breathing.

The situation described indicates a possible compromise in the respiratory system that would require immediate visualization of the thoracic cavity to determine any acute issues that may need to be addressed. Timely identification of such injuries is essential for providing the necessary interventions.

Although other assessments, such as neurological evaluations or cardiac assessments, are important in a comprehensive evaluation, they do not directly address the immediate issue related to the client's respiratory distress associated with positioning. An abdominal ultrasound may be useful in certain cases to evaluate for internal injuries, but it would not directly inform the respiratory distress being experienced in a supine position.