A critical care nurse is caring for a newly admitted client with acute aortic dissection. Which prescription should the nurse prioritize while awaiting surgical revision of the client's aortic dissection?

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11ecbb05_c967_3f72_b433_fbb1b482a048_MD0009_00 Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner lining of the aorta that allows blood to surge between the layers of the arterial wall, separating and weakening the aortic wall. Perfusion to vital organs may become impaired, and the dissection can rapidly progress to life-threatening cardiac tamponade or aortic rupture. Aortic dissection is characterized by acute onset of excruciating, sharp or "ripping" chest pain that radiates to the back. Emergency surgical repair is usually required. Before surgical repair, the priority is decreasing the risk of aortic rupture by maintaining normal pressure in the aorta. Administering IV beta blocker medication (eg, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol) helps achieve this by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, which are often elevated with aortic dissection (Option A). (Option B) Bed rest and a low-stimulation environment help lower heart rate and blood pressure, but antihypertensive medication is more effective and rapid-acting, making it the highest priority. (Option C) Assessing peripheral pulses helps monitor for complications of aortic dissection but is not a priority over interventions that reduce the risk of aortic rupture. (Option D) Informed consent is required before all surgical interventions; however, consent forms can be completed any time prior to surgery and are not a priority over reducing the risk of aortic rupture. Educational objective: Before emergency surgical repair of aortic dissection, the priority is decreasing the risk of aortic rupture by maintaining normal pressure in the aorta. Administering an IV beta blocker helps achieve this by rapidly lowering elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

A Critical Care Nurse Is Caring for a Newly Admitted