Question

The client is admitted to the ED, and the nurse suspects a cardiac problem. Which assessment interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

a. Obtain a midstream urine specimen.
b. Attach telemetry monitor to the client.
c. Start a saline lock in the right arm.
d. Draw a basal metabolic panel (BMP).
e. Request an order for a STAT 12-lead ECG.

Answer 1

For a client with a suspected cardiac problem, a nurse should attach a telemetry monitor, start a saline lock, and request a STAT 12-lead ECG. These interventions allow for continuous heart monitoring, immediate intravenous access, and rapid diagnosis of cardiac events.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse suspects a cardiac problem in a client admitted to the Emergency Department (ED), there are specific assessment interventions that should be promptly implemented. Among the options provided:

• Attach telemetry monitor to the client to continuously observe the cardiac rhythm.
• Start a saline lock in the right arm to ensure immediate access for medication administration or fluid infusion if necessary.
• Request an order for a STAT 12-lead ECG to obtain a rapid and comprehensive analysis of the heart's electrical activity and to look for signs of myocardial infarction (MI) or other cardiac issues.

Interventions such as drawing a basal metabolic panel (BMP) could also be relevant for assessing overall metabolic function and electrolyte balance, which are important in cardiac care. However, obtaining a midstream urine specimen is less specific to cardiac diagnosis and may not be a priority unless urinary symptoms or other indications exist.