The nurse is caring for a patient admitted to the emergency department in status epilepticus
Vital signs assessed by the nurse include blood pressure 160/100 mm Hg, heart rate 145 beats/min, respiratory rate 36 breaths/min, oxygen saturation (SpO2) 96% on 100% supplemental oxygen by non-rebreather mask. After establishing an intravenous (IV) line, which order by the physician should the nurse implement first? a. Obtain stat serum electrolytes.
b. Administer lorazepam (Ativan).
c. Obtain stat portable chest x-ray.
d. Administer phenytoin (Dilantin).
B
The nurse should administer lorazepam (Ativan) as ordered; lorazepam (Ativan) is the first-line medication for the treatment of status epilepticus. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is administered only when lorazepam fails to stop seizure activity or if intermittent seizures persist for longer than 20 minutes. Serum electrolytes and chest x-rays are appropriate orders but not the priority in this scenario.
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A sliding board is used to assist the patient with a/an ____________________ transfer.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).