The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
b. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
c. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
d. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2° F (37.8° C)
ANS: B
Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism and requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but there is no indication that they may need immediate action to prevent clinical deterioration.
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