A 48-year-old foreman at a local electric company comes to the hospital complaining of severe substernal chest pain radiating down his left arm
He's admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following nursing assessments is a priority on admission to the CCU?
A) Begin electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring
B) Obtain information about family history of heart disease
C) Auscultate lung fields
D) Determine if the patient smokes
Ans: A
Feedback: ECG monitoring should be started as soon as possible; life-threatening arrhythmias are the leading cause of death in the first hours after MI. Obtaining information about family history of heart disease and whether the patient smokes aren't immediate priorities in the acute phase of MI. Data may be obtained from family members later. Lung fields are auscultated after oxygenation, and pain control needs are met.
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If a nurse manager is discussing certification with nursing staff, which statement would be omitted?
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