Question

The nurse is evaluating a client's response to cardioversion. Which observation would be of highest priority to the nurse?

1.Blood pressure
2.Status of airway
3.Oxygen flow rate
4.Level of consciousness

Answer 1

The highest priority for a nurse evaluating a client's response to cardioversion is the status of the airway, as it is critical for the patient's immediate survival, followed by assessments of cardiac output, blood pressure, oxygen flow, and consciousness.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating a client's response to cardioversion, the highest priority observation for the nurse would be the status of the airway. This is because ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is able to breathe adequately is critical for survival, especially in an emergency or post-procedural setting. While monitoring blood pressure, oxygen flow rate, and level of consciousness are also important, these come after establishing a patent airway, as a blocked or compromised airway can rapidly lead to hypoxia and cardiac arrest.

Cardioversion can affect the cardiac output, which in turn influences blood pressure and blood flow. The nurse must promptly assess and address any immediate life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction before focusing on cardiac output stabilization and other vital signs.