Question

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

A. Patient who is scheduled for the drain phase of a peritoneal dialysis exchange.
B. Patient with stage 4 chronic kidney disease who has an elevated phosphate level.
C. Patient with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who has a potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L.
D. Patient who has just returned from having hemodialysis with a heart rate of 110/min.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize assessing the patient who has just returned from hemodialysis with an elevated heart rate, as it may indicate immediate, life-threatening complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess patient D first: the patient who has just returned from having hemodialysis with a heart rate of 110/min. This patient may be experiencing complications from the dialysis, such as hypotension or an electrolyte imbalance, which could be indicated by the elevated heart rate. These conditions can quickly become life-threatening, requiring immediate assessment and intervention. In contrast, the other scenarios, while important, do not suggest an immediate, potentially life-threatening situation requiring the same level of urgency.