Question

After receiving change-of-shift report on four patients, which patient should the nurse assess first?

a. Patient with rheumatic fever who has sharp chest pain with a deep breath. b. Patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg. c. Patient with infective endocarditis who has a murmur and splinter hemorrhages. d. Patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who has bilateral crackles at the lung bases.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg first.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess the patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg first. Acute aortic regurgitation is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. The low blood pressure indicates that the patient may be experiencing hemodynamic instability, which could lead to organ damage or even death. Therefore, this patient should be assessed and treated as a priority.