Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Full-length
The nurse is preparing to implement emergency care measures for the client who has just demonstrated signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which primary health care provider prescription should the nurse implement first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The client needs oxygen immediately because of hypoxemia, which is most often accompanied by respiratory distress and cyanosis. The client should also have an IV line for the administration of emergency medications such as morphine sulfate. An ECG is useful in determining the presence of possible right ventricular hypertrophy. All of the interventions listed are appropriate, but the client needs the oxygen first.