The nurse is caring for a young adult client who has inhaled cocaine and has been admitted to the emergency department with palpitations and shortness of breath. Which of the following actions ordered by the health care provider will the nurse implementfirst?
A)Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
B)Start O2 at 4 L/minute.
C)Draw blood for drug screening.
D)Infuse normal saline at 100 mL/hour.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority here is to ensure that oxygenation is adequate. The other orders also should be accomplished as soon as possible but are not the first priority.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Young Adult Client Who