Asked by Rocio Pasaran on Mar 10, 2024

verifed

Verified

The nurse is caring for a patient who collapsed after working outside on a hot day.The patient is disoriented with hot,dry skin and heart rate of 140 beats/minute.What is the priority action of the nurse?

A) Remove the clothes and cover the patient's body with ice-water soaked towels.
B) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to monitor hourly urine output.
C) Insert a nasogastric tube to prevent the patient from vomiting.
D) Obtain a 12-lead EKG and draw blood to check the patient's electrolyte levels.

Ice-Water Soaked

Describes items or materials that have been submerged or drenched in a mixture of ice and water, often used for cooling or therapeutic purposes.

Urinary Catheter

A flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag, aiding individuals who have difficulty urinating naturally.

Electrolyte Levels

The concentration of minerals in the body that are essential for various bodily functions.

  • Detect manifestations of thermal stress, including hypothermia and hyperthermia, and initiate pertinent responses.
  • Recognize the signs of respiratory distress and understand the priority actions to take.
verifed

Verified Answer

JP
Jolie PhungMar 10, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
The patient presented with heatstroke and lowering the patient's temperature is the highest priority.Removal of the patient's clothing and covering the patient's body with ice-water soaked towels will lower the patient's body temperature quickly.Inserting a nasogastric tube and urinary catheter,obtaining a 12-lead EKG and drawing labs may be done after cooling methods have been implemented.