An emergency department nurse cares for a middle-aged mountain climber who is confused and exhibits bizarre behaviors. After administering oxygen, which priority intervention should the nurse implement?
a. Administer dexamethasone (Decadron).
b. Complete a mini-mental state examination.
c. Prepare the client for computed tomography of the brain.
d. Request a psychiatric consult.
ANS: A
The client is exhibiting signs of mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Dexamethasone (Decadron) reduces cerebral edema by acting as an anti-inflammatory in the central nervous system. The other interventions will not treat mountain sickness or HACE.
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