Final answer:
The patient with tetany requiring IV calcium chloride should be transferred to the cardiac unit first due to the urgent need to correct the calcium imbalance that can impact heart rhythm and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which patient should be transferred to the cardiac unit first?
Among the four patients who need cardiac monitoring, priority should be given based on the acuity of symptoms related to cardiac health and stability. A patient with a high heart rate due to thyroid issues might not be as immediate a concern as a patient in need of a critical intervention to stabilize their condition. Patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and a heart rate of 102 - This patient has a slightly elevated heart rate, possibly due to thyroid dysfunction.
Patient with tetany who has a new order for IV calcium chloride - This is a medical emergency as tetany indicates a life-threatening calcium imbalance which can affect heart rhythm, thus this patient requires immediate cardiac monitoring and treatment. Patient with Cushing syndrome and a blood glucose of 140 mg/dL - This patient's glucose level, while elevated, may not necessitate immediate cardiac monitoring unless accompanied by other acute symptoms.
Patient with Addison's disease who takes hydrocortisone twice daily - This is a chronic condition and may not require immediate cardiac unit care in the absence of acute symptoms. Therefore, the patient with tetany who has an order for IV calcium chloride should be transferred to the cardiac unit first because of the urgent need to correct the calcium imbalance that can affect cardiac function significantly and rapidly.