A patient is admitted to the cardiac unit after having a myocardial infarction. Prioritize the nurse's next actions:

1. Insert an IV.

2. Begin cardiac monitoring.

3. Initiate thrombolytic therapy.

4. Provide the patient with water.

Explanation

•Standard nursing interventions for a myocardial infarction include administration of nitroglycerin and morphine, placement of a cardiac monitor, administration of 2-4 L of oxygen, and IV catheter insertion. The nurse should first hook the patient up to a cardiac monitor in order to continuously assess the heart rhythm.

•An IV should be initiated to provide treatment.

•If ordered by the provider, thrombolytic therapy should be initiated after insertion of the IV.

•It is important to check the provider's orders to make sure the patient has not been ordered to be nothing by mouth (NPO) in anticipation of a procedure/intervention.  If the patient is allowed to drink, getting the patient water is lowest priority for the nurse.

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