After the return of spontaneous circulation following the ...

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After the return of spontaneous circulation following the resuscitation of a patient who had a cardiac arrest, therapeutic hypothermia is ordered. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
 
  a. Apply external cooling device.
  b. Check mental status every 15 minutes.
  c. Avoid the use of sedative medications.
  d. Rewarm if temperature is <91 F (32.8 C).

Question 2

A patient who is unconscious after a fall from a ladder is transported to the emergency department by emergency medical personnel. During the primary survey of the patient, the nurse should
 
  a. obtain a complete set of vital signs.
  b. obtain a Glasgow Coma Scale score.
  c. ask about chronic medical conditions.
  d. attach a cardiac electrocardiogram monitor.

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
When therapeutic hypothermia is used postresuscitation, external cooling devices or cold normal saline infusions are used to rapidly lower body temperature to 89.6 F to 93.2 F (32 C to 34 C). Because hypothermia will decrease brain activity, assessing mental status every 15 minutes is not needed at this stage. Sedative medications are administered during therapeutic hypothermia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The Glasgow Coma Scale is included when assessing for disability during the primary survey. The other information is part of the secondary survey.