Question

A nurse is collecting data from an older female client. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a priority?

a) Mild joint stiffness
b) Decreased visual acuity
c) Sudden chest pain
d) Mild hearing loss

Answer 1

The nurse should identify sudden chest pain as a priority finding, as it can be a symptom of a heart attack or other cardiac condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify sudden chest pain as a priority finding. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or other cardiac condition, which can be life-threatening for an older individual. The nurse should immediately assess the client for other signs of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, sweating, and pain radiating down the arm or jaw.