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.
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.
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