A patient is demonstrating signs of anaphylactic shock. Which action should the nurse take first to assist this patient?
1. Administer subcutaneous epinephrine.
2. Maintain an airway.
3. Provide calm reassurance.
4. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
2
Rationale 1: Administering epinephrine is an important intervention but is not the first priority.
Rationale 2: Establishing and maintaining a patent airway is of primary importance when a patient demonstrates anaphylactic shock.
Rationale 3: The nurse should remain calm and try to calm the patient, but other interventions have greater priority.
Rationale 4: The patient will be placed on a cardiac monitor, but this is not the priority intervention.
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