A client admitted to the inpatient medical-surgical unit has suffered sudden respiratory failure. The client's condition is getting worse; he is cyanotic (turning blue) with periods of labored breathing. What action should the nurse take first?
a. Study the discharge plan.
b. Check the graphic data for vital signs.
c. Examine the history and physical examination.
d. Look for an advance directive.
D
The advance directive, which should be located in a special section of the patient's medical record, should be examined first because the patient's symptoms indicate that he may need to be resuscitated. The advance directive contains information about the patient's wishes for intensity of care and actions that should be taken in the event of a life-threatening event. The discharge plan contains data from utilization review, case managers, or discharge planners on anticipated needs after discharge. Graphic data record assessment should be done frequently, such as vital signs. The history and physical examination provide a detailed summary of the patient's current problem, past medical and social history, medications taken by the patient, review of systems, and physical examination data.
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