An unresponsive 78-year-old is admitted to the emergency department ( ED ) during a summer heat wave. The patient's core temperature is 106.2° F ( 41.2° C ), blood pressure ( BP ) 86/52, and pulse 102. The nurse initially will plan to

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The priority intervention is to cool the patient. Antipyretics are not effective in decreasing temperature in heat stroke, and 100% oxygen should be given, which requires a high flow rate through a non-rebreather mask. An older patient would be at risk for developing complications such as pulmonary edema if given fluids at 1000 mL/hr.

An Unresponsive 78-Year-Old Is Admitted to the Emergency Department