A homeless adult patient presents to the emergency department. The nurse obtains the following vital signs: temperature 94.8° F, blood pressure 106/56, apical pulse 58, and respiratory rate 12. Which vital sign should the nurse address immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature indicates the patient is experiencing hypothermia. Homeless individuals are more at risk for hypothermia. While all the vital signs are low, the most critical vital sign at this time is the temperature.

A Homeless Adult Patient Presents to the Emergency Department