After receiving the following information about four patients during change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. Patient with acute pericarditis who has a pericardial friction rub
b. Patient who has just returned to the unit after balloon valvuloplasty
c. Patient who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a heart rate of 116
d. Patient with a mitral valve replacement who has an anticoagulant scheduled
ANS: B
The patient who has just arrived after balloon valvuloplasty will need assessment for complications such as bleeding and hypotension. The information about the other patients is consistent with their diagnoses and does not indicate any complications or need for urgent assessment or intervention.
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