The nurse is providing first aid at an outdoor festival when a client reports dizziness and weakness. The client is flushed, sweating, nauseated, and slightly tachycardic. Which action is most appropriate at this time?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heat exhaustion is the result of prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Heat exhaustion manifests with elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), intravascular volume depletion, and electrolyte imbalance. Manifestations include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, sweating, flushing, nausea, tachycardia, and muscle cramping. If heat exhaustion is suspected, the client should be moved to cooler temperatures and provided a cool sports drink, another electrolyte-containing beverage (eg, Gatorade), or water (Option D). The priority is to lower the body temperature to prevent heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition associated with mental status changes (ie, indicating brain damage) and additional organ damage (eg, kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis). (Option A) If the client's temperature continues to rise after moving to cooler temperatures, ice packs placed on the axilla and groin may help to dissipate heat; further medical help may be necessary. (Option B) The client should not leave until the symptoms subside, especially if driving. It is not necessary to have the client visit a health care provider if symptoms resolve. (Option C) Assessment can be continued once the client has been moved to a cooler environment and provided with hydration. Alcohol consumption may compound heat exhaustion but does not change initial management of the client. Educational objective: Initial management of heat exhaustion includes moving the client from the heat to a cooler area and providing a cool, electrolyte-containing sports drink or water. Early intervention in heat exhaustion can prevent the development of heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition leading to brain and additional organ damage.

The Nurse Is Providing First Aid at an Outdoor Festival