While performing morning rounds, a practical nurse evaluates a 71-year-old client admitted for severe melena secondary to peptic ulcer disease. The client, who was previously alert, is now acutely restless and disoriented. The client's heart rate is 124 bpm, blood pressure is 92/58 mm Hg (baseline 128/74 mm Hg), and respiratory rate is 24 breaths/min. Which action should the practical nurse take FIRST?
- Position the client supine with the legs elevated and immediately notify the registered nurseCevap
- BInitiate delirium precautions by reorienting the client and minimizing environmental stimuli
- CAsk the client to rate their abdominal pain and prepare a prescribed analgesic
- DRecord the current vital signs in the chart and plan to reassess the blood pressure in 30 minutes
Cevap
The practical nurse should position the client supine with the legs elevated and immediately notify the registered nurse.
The client's presentation of melena, tachycardia, hypotension, and sudden restlessness is a classic triad for acute hypovolemic shock resulting from blood loss. The priority is to maintain circulation and perfusion to vital organs, specifically the brain and heart. Placing the client in a supine position with the legs elevated (modified Trendelenburg) uses gravity to increase venous return from the lower extremities. Because this is a medical emergency requiring rapid interventions beyond the practical nursing scope (such as IV fluid resuscitation or blood transfusions), immediately notifying the registered nurse is critical.
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Anahtar Kavram
Recognition and initial bedside management of hypovolemic shock