Author Question: A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using ... (Read 59 times)

Kikoku · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 162/98, heart rate 142 and irregular, and respirations 32. Which action by the nurse is most important?

a. Reorient the patient at frequent intervals.
b. Monitor the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) and vital signs.
c. Keep the patient in a quiet and darkened room.
d. Obtain a health history including prior drug use.

Question 2

A patient who smokes a pack of cigarettes daily develops tachycardia and irritability on the second day after abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's best action at this time?

a. Escort the patient outside where smoking is allowed.
b. Move the patient to a private room and allow smoking.
c. Tell the patient that this is a good time to quit smoking.
d. Request a prescription for a nicotine replacement agent.

alexisweber49 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The priority is to ensure physiologic stability given that methamphetamine use can lead to complications such as myocardial infarction. The other actions are also appropriate but are not of as high a priority.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Nicotine replacement agents should be prescribed for patients who smoke and are hospitalized to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Allowing the patient to smoke encourages ongoing smoking. Urging the patient to quit smoking is appropriate, but the first action should be to obtain appropriate medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms.