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.

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