During morning rounds, a practical nurse (PN) evaluates an octogenarian client who has a known history of gastric ulcers. The client's baseline mental status is alert and oriented; however, the client is now displaying acute confusion and restlessness along with vague complaints of a stomach ache. The client's current heart rate is 114 beats/minute with a blood pressure of 102/64 mm Hg, representing a drop from a baseline blood pressure of 144/82 mm Hg. Which action should the PN take first?
- AAdminister the prescribed as-needed analgesic for the client's abdominal discomfort.
- BLog the current vital signs in the electronic health record and plan to recheck them in 60 minutes.
- Report the assessment findings and change in mental status to the supervising registered nurse immediately.Cevap
- DInstitute fall precautions by reminding the client of their location and turning on the bed alarm.
Cevap
Report the assessment findings and change in mental status to the supervising registered nurse immediately.
The correct action involves immediately escalating the client's condition to the registered nurse. The combination of acute confusion, restlessness, tachycardia, and a significant drop in baseline blood pressure in a client with a history of gastric ulcers strongly indicates early hemorrhagic shock from a gastrointestinal bleed. The practical nurse must recognize this acute physiological deterioration and immediately notify the registered nurse so that advanced assessment, provider notification, and life-saving fluid resuscitation can be initiated.
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Anahtar Kavram
Early Recognition of Hypovolemic Shock