A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in the emergency department and reports severe radiating chest pain and shortness of breath. The client appears restless, frightened, and slightly cyanotic. The provider prescribes oxygen by nasal cannula at 4 L/min stat, cardiac enzyme levels, IV fluids, and a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a blood sample.
Initiate oxygen therapy.
Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.
Insert the IV catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a blood sample. Although obtaining a blood sample is essential for cardiac enzyme levels, it is not the highest priority. Addressing oxygenation takes precedence to relieve hypoxia.
B. Initiate oxygen therapy. Oxygen is the first priority to improve oxygenation in a client showing signs of hypoxia (cyanosis, dyspnea), which can prevent further ischemic damage to the heart.
C. Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG. While obtaining an ECG is essential for diagnosing myocardial ischemia, ensuring oxygenation is more critical in this moment.
D. Insert the IV catheter. An IV line is necessary to administer fluids and medications, but oxygenation should be prioritized first to stabilize the client.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I am constipated." Constipation is not a common indicator of digoxin toxicity; it may be more related to diet or other medications.
B. "My vision seems yellow." Yellow or blurred vision, also called xanthopsia, is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported immediately.
C. "My tongue is red and beefy." A red and beefy tongue may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, not digoxin toxicity.
D. "I am gaining weight." Weight gain is usually a sign of fluid retention or worsening heart failure, not specifically digoxin toxicity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 25 gtt/min: Calculating the correct rate reveals that this is not the correct answer.
B. 1500 gtt/min: This rate is too high; the calculation does not support this answer.
C. 50 gtt/min: To calculate: (100 mL / 120 min) × 30 gtt/mL = 50 gtt/min.
D. 83 gtt/min: This is too high based on the calculation.