A patient whose heart rate is 52 beats per minute reports feeling dizzy and light-headed. What is the nurse's best first action?
a. Start an IV line.
b. Ask if the patient has experienced this before.
c. Notify the prescriber immediately.
d. Check the patient's blood pressure.
D
A slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute) results in a decrease in cardiac output, blood pressure, and perfusion to a patient's vital organs. This leads to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, syncope, and decreased peripheral pulses. While the nurse will want to notify the prescriber, the patient's blood pressure should be checked first.
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