An 81-year-old client is recuperating on the surgical unit 48 hours after a pelvic fracture repair. The client's visiting family member alerts the nursing staff, stating the client is suddenly acting agitated and asking when the train is arriving. The client's current vital signs show a heart rate of 106 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min, a blood pressure of 104/64 mmHg, and an oxygen saturation of 91% on room air. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take first?
- Elevate the head of the bed and initiate prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy.Cevap
- BAdminister the prescribed as-needed (PRN) analgesic to help calm the client's agitation.
- CRecord the current data and plan to reassess the client's vital signs in four hours.
- DReassure the family that intermittent confusion is a normal expectation for older adults after surgery.
Cevap
The priority action is to elevate the head of the bed and initiate prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy.
The correct action directly addresses the client's immediate physiological threat. Sudden confusion and agitation in an older adult, especially with an oxygen saturation of 91%, tachycardia, and tachypnea, strongly indicate hypoxia. By elevating the head of the bed and applying oxygen, the practical nurse supports the client's airway and breathing, adhering to the ABC priority framework.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritizing ABCs and Recognizing Acute Delirium from Hypoxia