Answer to Question 1
B
Conduct complete assessment of all vital signs. Compare findings with the patient's normal baseline. Continue assessing vital signs at least every 15 minutes until the patient's condition stabilizes.
Answer to Question 2
C
If a mercury thermometer breaks, and it is not disposed of properly, the mercury gets into the air, posing a major health risk in the home (EPA, 2007). Educate patients about the environmental hazards associated with mercury in the home, and encourage patients to purchase mercury-free thermometers.