What is the priority nursing action the nurse would implement for a patient who is admitted with pulmonary edema?
1. Insert a peripheral intravenous catheter.
2. Seek a prescription to medicate the patient for comfort.
3. Monitor the blood glucose level.
4. Place a pulse oximeter and administer oxygen.
4
Rationale 1: Inserting an IV would be the second action, but often, if more than one caregiver is present, this action can be done simultaneously with the first.
Rationale 2: Medication would not be given until the ABCs have been addressed.
Rationale 3: The blood glucose level is not related to pulmonary edema.
Rationale 4: Because this is a medical emergency, priority nursing actions focus on maintaining the airway and improving oxygenation, then breathing and circulation.
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