A patient being seen for a cough tells the nurse, "After I leave here, I need to get to the dentist. My upper teeth are hurting and I don't know why.". Which nursing action is indicated?
1. End the visit so the patient can get to the dentist.
2. Assess the patient for a sinus infection.
3. Reschedule the appointment for another time.
4. Tell the patient there is nothing wrong with his teeth.
2
Rationale 1: The patient has a medical need and is in a medical setting. It would not be appropriate to end the appointment.
Rationale 2: Manifestations of sinusitis include pain and tenderness across the infected sinuses, plus headache, fever, and malaise. The pain usually increases when the patient leans forward. When the maxillary sinuses are involved, pain and pressure are felt over the cheek. The pain may be referred to the upper teeth.
Rationale 3: The patient has a medical need and is in a medical setting. It would not be appropriate to reschedule the appointment.
Rationale 4: Until an assessment is performed and a diagnosis is made or ruled out, it would be incorrect to tell the patient that nothing is wrong.
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