Question

A client is admitted to the ER with anxiety, loss of muscle coordination, and skin is hot and dry. The client had been working on the yard prior to coming to the hospital. Which of the following actions should the nurse anticipate taking first?

A) Administering a sedative medication.
B) Applying warm blankets to the client.
C) Initiating cooling measures.
D) Administering a stimulant medication.

Answer 1

The client showing symptoms of a heat-related illness, after working in the yard, should first receive cooling measures from the nurse to reduce body temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client was admitted to the ER with anxiety, loss of muscle coordination, and skin is hot and dry is showing signs that could be consistent with heat-related illness, possibly heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially considering the history of working in the yard. Based on the symptoms provided, the nurse should anticipate initiating cooling measures first. This action is essential to bring down the body temperature and prevent further damage. Applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, moving the patient to a cooler environment, and providing fluids if the patient is conscious and able to drink, would be initial steps taken before considering other actions like administering medications or further warming with blankets.