The nurse is caring for a client with a history of endocarditis who reports difficulty breathing and the feeling of an elephant is sitting on the chest. What is the nurse's first priority?

a. Obtain an EKG
b. Assess for recent IV drug use
c. Assess oxygen saturation
d. Auscultate the lungs


a. Obtain an EKG
rationale: The main concern for anyone with pain in the chest area is a myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse must immediately call for an EKG. The client is able to talk about breathing status, so the nurse knows this client has an airway and is breathing. The client is describing symptoms that are indicative of an MI, so calling for an EKG is the first priority.

Nursing

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A patient is experiencing a severe episode of Ménière disease. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed to help reduce the sensation of spinning and nausea occurring in this patient?

1. meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert) 2. hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) 3. diazepam (Valium) 4. droperidol (Inapsine)

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The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old with diabetes mellitus who has unpredictable eating patterns

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