Question

The nurse works in a medical unit. Which patients should the nurse consider at a high-priority level for nursing care? Select all that apply.

1.A patient who has a fractured bone in his leg
2. A patient who lost consciousness
3. A patient who has impaired oxygenation
4. A patient whose cardiac output is decreased
5. A patient who has pressure ulcers

Answer 1

The nurse should consider patients who lost consciousness, have impaired oxygenation, and decreased cardiac output at a high-priority level for nursing care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering high-priority patients for nursing care in a medical unit, the nurse should prioritize patients who have life-threatening conditions or immediate needs. Based on the options given, the patients who should be considered at a high-priority level for nursing care are:

1. A patient who lost consciousness: This patient needs immediate attention as it could be a sign of a serious medical condition that requires urgent medical intervention.
2. A patient who has impaired oxygenation: This patient is likely experiencing difficulty breathing or has low oxygen levels, which could be life-threatening and requires prompt nursing care.
3. A patient whose cardiac output is decreased: This patient's heart is not pumping sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, which can be a critical condition that demands immediate attention and specialized care.

Note: While patients with a fractured bone in the leg, pressure ulcers, and other health concerns may also require nursing care, patients with life-threatening conditions should be given the highest priority.