A nurse is the first person on the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
The victim was the driver and is in the driver's seat unconscious.
The driver is breathing, has a pulse, and has minor lacerations on the head and face.
What action should the nurse implement first?

Choice A rationale

A decreased level of consciousness indicates possible intracranial hemorrhage, a complication of thrombolytic therapy. Altered mental status may result from brain bleeding disrupting normal neural function.

Choice B rationale

Elevated blood pressure and headache suggest intracranial hemorrhage, as the rise in intracranial pressure often accompanies vascular disruption and neurogenic pain.

Choice C rationale

Vomiting and persistent nausea can signal intracranial hemorrhage, as blood irritating brain tissue and increasing pressure stimulates the emetic center in the medulla.

Choice D rationale

Positive Babinski's sign is associated with upper motor neuron lesions but is not a direct indicator of thrombolytic therapy complications such as intracranial bleeding.

Choice E rationale

Fever and cardiac dysrhythmias do not directly indicate thrombolytic therapy complications. Dysrhythmias may stem from electrolyte disturbances or infections unrelated to hemorrhage.

Choice A rationale

IV fluid bolus may address hypotension but is not the first priority. Symptoms of dizziness and diaphoresis in a spinal cord injury patient suggest autonomic dysreflexia or orthostatic hypotension requiring positional changes first.

Choice B rationale

Rescheduling therapy does not address the acute symptoms the patient is experiencing. Immediate action to manage dizziness and diaphoresis, such as altering body position, is required to stabilize the patient.

Choice C rationale

Lowering the head of the bed counters orthostatic hypotension, a common issue in spinal cord injury patients. Obtaining vital signs identifies the underlying cause and guides further interventions.

Choice D rationale

Bladder distention can trigger autonomic dysreflexia, but without evidence of urinary retention, prioritizing positional adjustments is more urgent to alleviate symptoms of dizziness and stabilize hemodynamics.