A patient who had vascular leg surgery is found standing in a large pool of blood flowing from the surgical site. The patient is assisted into bed and is found to be pale with a palpable pulse. What action should the nurse take?
a. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
b. Elevate legs and apply pressure over the bleeding site.
c. Start an infusion of 0.9% NaCl.
d. Notify the registered nurse.
ANS: B
The first priority is to control the bleeding with direct pressure. Elevating the legs will also help. The RN should be notified while the bleeding is being controlled by calling for assistance. Oxygen and IV fluids may be ordered but require a physician's order.
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