A woman with a history of heart failure is in labor and has the following vital signs: blood pressure: 100/58 mm Hg,pulse: 120 beats/minute,respiratory rate: 36 breaths/minute,oxygen saturation: 88%.Which action should the nurse perform first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is exhibiting signs of decreased cardiac output and her low SaO₂ indicates that she needs oxygen,which should be supplied at 10 L/min per rebreather mask.Calling the provider and documentation are important actions but do not take priority over promptly treating the woman.She does not need increased IV fluids,and,in fact,increasing the IV fluid rate will likely worsen her condition.

A Woman with a History of Heart Failure Is in Labor