An older client who has had vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days is in the Emergency Department. The priority of care for this client would be:
1. starting an IV and fluids.
2. inspecting for pressure sores.
3. oral care.
4. infection control.
Answer: 1
1. The older client is particularly vulnerable to complications from dehydration. The physician will immediately order fluids, and the nurse's priority is to start the IV and hang the fluids.
2. The client might experience impaired skin from the diarrhea, but fluids are first.
3. Because of vomiting, the client should have good oral care once stabilized with fluids and electrolytes.
4. If the client has a viral infection, infection-control measures become a priority once the client is stabilized.
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