A triage nurse evaluates a client presenting with a 4-day history of frequent, watery diarrhea and an inability to drink fluids. The client is lethargic and exhibits delayed capillary refill. Assessment reveals a heart rate of 124 beats/minute, a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/minute with deep chest excursions, and a blood pressure of 94/76 mm Hg. Arterial blood gas (ABG) testing indicates a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 27 mm Hg, HCO3 of 12 mEq/L, and PaO2 of 96 mm Hg on room air. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform FIRST?
- Start a rapid infusion of prescribed isotonic crystalloid fluids.Cevap
- BGive a prescribed antidiarrheal medication and reassess the client in one hour.
- CInstruct the client to take slow, shallow breaths to correct the carbon dioxide level.
- DElevate the head of the bed to a high-Fowler's position to ease the work of breathing.
Cevap
The priority action is to start a rapid infusion of prescribed isotonic crystalloid fluids to treat hypovolemic shock and restore tissue perfusion.
The correct answer directly addresses the most life-threatening condition: hypovolemic shock. The client's history of severe fluid loss, combined with lethargy, tachycardia, and a dangerously narrowed pulse pressure, necessitates immediate intravascular volume replacement with isotonic fluids to ensure adequate tissue perfusion.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritization of care for a client experiencing hypovolemic shock and compensatory metabolic acidosis.