On a hot humid day,an emergency department nurse is caring for a client who is confused and has these vital signs: temperature 104.1° F (40.1° C),pulse 132 beats/min,respirations 26 breaths/min,blood pressure 106/66 mm Hg.Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client demonstrates signs of heat stroke.This is a medical emergency and priority care includes oxygen therapy,IV infusion with 0.9% saline solution,insertion of a urinary catheter,and aggressive interventions to cool the client,including external cooling and internal cooling methods.Oral hydration would not be appropriate for a client who has symptoms of heat stroke because oral fluids would not provide necessary rapid rehydration,and the confused client would be at risk for aspiration.Acetaminophen would not decrease this client's temperature or improve the client's symptoms.The client needs immediate medical treatment; therefore,rest and re-assessing in 15 minutes is inappropriate.

On a Hot Humid Day,an Emergency Department Nurse Is Caring