A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 164/94 mm Hg,heart rate 136 beats/min and irregular,and respirations 32 breaths/min. Which action by the nurse is most important?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority is to ensure physiologic stability given that methamphetamine use can lead to complications such as myocardial infarction. The other actions are also appropriate but are not of as high a priority.

A Disoriented and Agitated Patient Comes to the Emergency Department