Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. This is the priority action because in a suspected myocardial infarction, adequate oxygenation is crucial to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygen delivery to the heart and tissues, reducing the workload on the heart. Providing a back massage (B) may be soothing but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation. Encouraging ambulation (C) can be dangerous as it may increase the workload on the heart. Administering a sedative (D) can further depress the respiratory system and is not indicated in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction.