A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old male client in a cardiac clinic. The client was recently discharged from an acute hospital stay for worsening heart failure. Below are the exhibits related to the client’s condition:

Exhibit 1: Nurses’ Notes 2 Weeks Ago

The client was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago with worsening heart failure. He was experiencing significant shortness of breath, fatigue, and 2+ edema on bilateral lower extremities. Upon auscultation, an S3 heart sound was noted, and occasional expiratory wheezing was present. The client was managed with furosemide, captopril, and metoprolol at home, but these medications were not sufficient to control his symptoms.

Exhibit 2: Nurses’ Notes Today

The client reports some improvement in shortness of breath with exertion but continues to feel fatigued. Upon auscultation, an S3 heart sound is still noted, and lung sounds are clear. The client has 1+ edema on the ankles and reports nausea, constipation, and blurred vision.

Exhibit 3: History and Physical

The client was discharged from the hospital two days ago after being treated for worsening heart failure. During the hospitalization, he was prescribed digoxin and a potassium supplement in addition to his existing medications. The client will return to the office in two weeks to review lab work and medication management.

Exhibit 4: Laboratory Results Today

• Digoxin: 2.2 ng/mL (0.8 to 2 ng/mL)
• Potassium: 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)

Exhibit 5: Vital Signs Today

• Temperature: 36.8°C (98.2°F)
• Heart rate: 55/min
• Respiratory rate: 16/min
• Blood pressure: 110/80 mm Hg
• Oxygen saturation: 96% on room air

Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client may be experiencing digoxin toxicity. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.

So, the complete sentence would be: The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.

Certainly! Let’s break down the situation and the rationale behind the priorities:

Elevated Temperature

The client’s temperature spiked significantly from 36.7°C (98.1°F) to 40.2°C (104.4°F) within a short period. This rapid increase is concerning for several reasons:

1. Risk of Hyperthermia: A temperature of 40.2°C is dangerously high and can lead to hyperthermia, which can cause damage to body tissues and organs if not promptly addressed.
2. Signs of Infection or Sepsis: Such a high fever could indicate a postoperative infection or sepsis, both of which require immediate attention.
3. Physiological Stress: Elevated temperatures increase metabolic demands, which can exacerbate other symptoms like tachycardia (high heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Administering Fluids

After addressing the elevated temperature, the next priority is to administer fluids. Here’s why:

1. Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): The client’s blood pressure dropped from 110/75 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. This hypotension could be due to several factors, including dehydration, fever, or a systemic inflammatory response.
2. Tachycardia (High Heart Rate): The client’s heart rate increased from 65/min to 125/min. This could be a compensatory mechanism for the low blood pressure or a response to the fever. Administering fluids can help stabilize the blood pressure and reduce the heart rate.
3. Preventing Shock: Ensuring adequate fluid volume is crucial to prevent hypovolemic shock, which can occur if the body loses too much fluid or blood.

Immediate Actions Taken

The nurse already administered acetaminophen and applied ice packs to help reduce the fever, which are appropriate initial steps. However, continuous monitoring and additional interventions, such as fluid administration, are necessary to stabilize the client’s condition.

Summary

In summary, the nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature to prevent potential complications from hyperthermia and then administer fluids to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate. This approach prioritizes the most immediate threats to the client’s health and ensures a comprehensive response to the symptoms presented.

Choice A rationale
Hypercalcemia is not typically a risk in the emergency department unless the patient has a specific condition that causes elevated calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension can occur in the emergency department, especially in cases of shock or severe dehydration, but it is not the most common risk.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia can occur, particularly in patients with certain medical conditions or those taking diuretics, but it is not the most common risk.
Choice D rationale
Hypernatremia can occur, especially in patients with dehydration or certain medical conditions, but it is not the most common risk.
Choice E rationale
Hypoglycemia is a common risk in the emergency department, especially in patients with diabetes or those who have not eaten for an extended period.