The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has returned from the dialysis unit following hemodialysis. The client is complaining of headache and nausea and is extremely restless. Which is the priority nursing action?

Choice A reason: Seizure precautions are relevant but secondary to establishing IV access for antihypertensive administration in hypertensive crisis. Starting an IV enables immediate treatment, making this incorrect, as it delays the critical intervention needed to lower the client’s dangerously high blood pressure.

Choice B reason: Instructing to report vision changes monitors complications but doesn’t address the urgent need to lower blood pressure. IV access facilitates medication delivery, making this incorrect, as it postpones the primary action for managing the client’s hypertensive crisis effectively.

Choice C reason: Elevating the bed may reduce intracranial pressure but is less urgent than starting an IV for antihypertensive drugs. IV access is the priority, making this incorrect, as it delays the critical intervention to manage the client’s severe hypertension in the emergency department.

Choice D reason: Starting a peripheral IV is the first action to enable rapid administration of antihypertensive medications in hypertensive crisis. This aligns with emergency care protocols for blood pressure 254/139 mm Hg, making it the correct initial step to stabilize the client’s condition.

Choice A reason: Administering furosemide without a provider’s order is outside nursing scope and risks harm. Decreasing IV fluids addresses elevated CVP, making this incorrect, as it bypasses protocol compared to the nurse’s priority of adjusting fluids and consulting the provider.

Choice B reason: A CVP of 16 cm H2O suggests fluid overload; decreasing IV fluids and notifying the provider prevents worsening heart failure. This aligns with hemodynamic monitoring protocols, making it the correct action for the nurse to take to address the client’s elevated CVP.

Choice C reason: Documenting the CVP is necessary but doesn’t address the urgent fluid overload indicated by 16 cm H2O. Decreasing fluids is proactive, making this incorrect, as it delays intervention compared to the nurse’s priority of managing the client’s high CVP.

Choice D reason: Checking urine specific gravity assesses hydration but is less urgent than addressing elevated CVP with fluid adjustment. Notifying the provider takes precedence, making this incorrect, as it’s secondary to the nurse’s action to manage fluid overload immediately.