The nurse admits an acutely ill, older patient to the hospital. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Speak slowly and loudly while facing the patient.
b. Obtain a detailed medical history from the patient.
c. Perform the physical assessment before interviewing the patient.
d. Ask a family member to go home and retrieve the patient's cane.
ANS: C
When a patient is acutely ill, the physical assessment should be accomplished first to detect any physiologic changes that require immediate action. Not all older patients have hearing deficits, and it is insensitive of the nurse to speak loudly and slowly to all older patients. To avoid tiring the patient, much of the medical history can be obtained from medical records. After the initial physical assessment to determine the patient's current condition, then the nurse could ask someone to obtain any assistive devices for the patient if applicable.
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