A patient who is being treated for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complains of chest pain and shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?
1. Elevate the head of the bed and begin oxygen therapy.
2. Measure the patient's blood pressure.
3. Assess the extremity with the thrombosis.
4. Assess the pulses on the extremity with the thrombosis.
Correct Answer: 1
Immediately report patient complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath, anxiety, or a sense of impending doom. Prompt intervention to restore pulmonary blood flow can reduce the risk of significant adverse effects. Initiate oxygen therapy and elevate the head of the bed. The other interventions are not the priority and would delay the initiation of required interventions in this situation.
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