The emergency department nurse admits a patient following a motor vehicle collision.Vital signs include blood pressure 70/50 mm Hg,heart rate 140 beats/min,respiratory rate 36 breaths/min,temperature 101° F and oxygen saturation (SpO₂)95% on 3 L of oxygen per nasal cannula.Laboratory results include hemoglobin 6.0 g/dL,hematocrit 20%,and potassium 4.0 mEq/L.Based on this assessment,what is most important for the nurse to include in the patient's plan of care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the patient's diagnosis,laboratory results,and supporting vital signs,restoring circulating blood volume is a priority and can be accomplished following insertion of an appropriate gauge IV (18)to facilitate blood and fluid administration.Universal precautions,fall precautions,and application of heel protectors are appropriate interventions but are not the immediate priority.

The Emergency Department Nurse Admits a Patient Following a Motor