Which is the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Temperature is not directly related to respiratory function, and pulse and blood pressure can be affected by other factors, such as anxiety or medication.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because pulse, respirations, and oxygen saturation are the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Pulse reflects the heart rate and rhythm, which can be altered by respiratory distress. Respirations reflect the rate and depth of breathing, which can indicate the severity of the condition. Oxygen saturation reflects the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound with oxygen, which can indicate the adequacy of oxygenation.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because temperature, pulse, and respirations are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Temperature is not directly related to respiratory function, and respirations alone do not provide enough information about the oxygenation status of the patient.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because respirations, blood pressure, and pain are not the most important vital signs for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath. Blood pressure can be affected by other factors, such as anxiety or medication, and pain is a subjective symptom that can vary from person to person. Oxygen saturation is a more objective and reliable indicator of oxygenation than pain.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The PCA will not give additional pain medication whenever the button is pushed. The PCA is programmed to deliver a specific dose of pain medication at a specific interval. If the button is pushed before the interval is over, the PCA will not release any medication. This is to prevent overdose and side effects.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The PCA will not deliver medication through the IV until the pain is all gone. The PCA is designed to provide pain relief, not pain elimination. The PCA has a limit on how much medication it can deliver in a certain period of time. The patient may still have some pain even after using the PCA.

Choice C reason: This is correct. You or a designated family member are the only one who gets to push the PCA button-nobody else may do so. The PCA is intended to give the patient control over their pain management. The patient should push the button when they feel pain, not when someone else thinks they need it. Allowing others to push the button can lead to under- or over-medication, which can be harmful.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Wait until the pain becomes severe before pushing the PCA button is not a good instruction. The PCA is more effective when the patient pushes the button before the pain becomes too intense. Waiting too long can make the pain harder to control and require more medication. The patient should use the PCA as needed to keep the pain at a tolerable level..