Asked by Kathryna Alexis on Jun 06, 2024
Verified
Four patients arrive at the emergency department at the same time. Which patient will the nurse see first?
A) An infant with temperature of 102.2° F and diarrhea for 3 days
B) A teenager with a sprained ankle and excessive edema
C) A middle-aged adult with abdominal pain who is moaning and holding her stomach
D) An older adult with nausea and vomiting for 3 days with blood pressure 112/60
Excessive Edema
An abnormally large accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body, leading to swelling, often due to heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Temperature
The degree of internal heat of an object or organism, often measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, indicative of the state of being hot or cold.
Diarrhea
A condition characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools, often a sign of infection or digestive issue.
- Prioritize patient care based on acuity and present symptoms.
Verified Answer
IM
Ikran MarufJun 07, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
The infant should be seen first. An infant's proportion of total body water (70% to 80% total body weight) is greater than that of children or adults. Infants and young children have greater water needs and immature kidneys. They are at greater risk for extracellular volume deficit and hypernatremia because body water loss is proportionately greater per kilogram of weight. A teenager with excessive edema from a sprained ankle can wait. A middle-aged adult moaning in pain can wait as can an older adult with a blood pressure of 112/60.
Learning Objectives
- Prioritize patient care based on acuity and present symptoms.