The nurse has been assigned to provide care for several patients on the medical-surgical unit. Which data should the nurse use to decide the patient to assess first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. The presence of a mildly elevated temperature of 99.2°F and complaints of nausea, although uncomfortable for the patient, do not indicate the presence of an immediate problem.
2. Feelings of fullness and the lack of a bowel movement are consistent with constipation and warrant action but are not a priority.
3. The patient's heart rate of 82 bpm signal that the patient is not in immediate danger. The presence of coffee ground emesis may signal slowed or halted bleeding.
4. The patient with melena likely has an active gastrointestinal bleed. This is a serious health concern warranting further assessment and frequent evaluation by the nurse.

The Nurse Has Been Assigned to Provide Care for Several