A telemetry nurse is caring for multiple patients. Which of the following situations needs to be addressed by the nurse first?
Explanation
•Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency. The patient requires immediate resuscitation.
•If this arrhythmia continues, it will likely degenerate into asystole after a few moments. Without effective blood circulation, cardiogenic shock results and the patient will die.
Incorrect options:
•Chest pain in a patient with chronic stable angina is not an emergency. The patient should be given nitroglycerin and monitored for changes.
•Patients can live with severe aortic stenosis for a prolonged period of time. Immediate action is not required.
•Discontinuation of a Foley catheter is not a priority.