Question

A nurse is at the beach with friends when one of them begins to complain about dizziness and fatigue. It is a particularly hot day in the middle of a heat wave. How should the nurse react?

1. Call an ambulance.
2. Tell the friend to close her eyes, rest, and have her take some slow deep breaths.
3. Give the friend some cool water.
4. Leave the beach with the friend and have her sit in an air-conditioned car while drinking an electrolyte replacement drink.

Answer 1

In response to a friend's symptoms of dizziness and fatigue during a heat wave, a nurse should move them to a cooler environment, provide cool water, and an electrolyte replacement drink, while continuously monitoring their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Responding to Heat-Related Illness

When someone begins to complain about dizziness and fatigue during a heat wave, especially at the beach, it is important to recognize these as potential symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte deficiency. Since excessive heat can lead to critical conditions like heat stroke, the nurse should first ensure the individual moves to a cooler environment, such as an air-conditioned car, to prevent further exposure. Giving the friend some cool water is necessary to address immediate hydration needs. To tackle the possible loss of electrolytes, it would be beneficial to provide an electrolyte replacement drink as well. Rest and deep breathing can help alleviate dizziness, but continuous monitoring is essential in case the individual's condition doesn't improve and medical attention becomes necessary.