The nurse caring for patients on a cardiac unit should plan to see which assigned patient first?

Question

1. A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who is reporting dyspnea
2. A patient who had a cardiac catheterization and will be ambulating for the first time
3. A patient receiving antibiotics for bacterial endocarditis who is reporting dyspnea and chest pain
4. A patient who is recovering from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with a temperature of 101°F

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Dyspnea is a chronic symptom with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and requires assessment. However, another patient is the priority.
Rationale 2: The patient ambulating for the first time will be assessed by a nurse. However, another patient is the priority.
Rationale 3: The patient with bacterial endocarditis is at risk for thrombus formation. Chest pain and dyspnea are signs of pulmonary embolism (PE), which is life threatening.
Rationale 4: A temperature of 101°F requires further assessment. However, another patient is the priority.