The nurse is caring for a client who has been hospitalized for 3 days with a hip fracture who has sudden onset shortness of breath and tachypnea. The client tells the nurse, "I feel like I am going to die!" Which of the following actions should the nurse takefirst?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's clinical manifestations and history are consistent with a fat embolus, and the nurse's first action should be to ensure adequate oxygenation. The nurse should offer reassurance to the client, but meeting the physiological need for oxygen is a higher priority. The health care provider should be notified after the oxygen is started and pulse oximetry and assessment for fat embolus or venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) are obtained.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Been