Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize the orders related to diagnostic measures, such as obtaining a chest radiograph and collecting samples, to address the patient's fever and lung sounds following a stroke. This prompt action is essential for the patient's recovery and to prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which order a nurse should implement first after assessing a patient hospitalized with a stroke who also exhibits a fever and adventitious lung sounds. The primary concern in such a scenario is to address the patient's immediate and most life-threatening needs.
In this context, the presence of adventitious lung sounds after a stroke, coupled with a fever, might suggest the patient is developing pneumonia or another type of infection, which is a common complication post-stroke. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize diagnostic measures, such as obtaining a chest radiograph and collecting blood, urine, and sputum samples, as ordered by the physician, to confirm the presence of an infection and to facilitate prompt and appropriate treatment.
Addressing the new symptoms with urgency is important for the patient's recovery from stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). The mnemonic FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is commonly used to quickly assess and respond to signs of a stroke, indicating the importance of rapid action. Although this is relevant at the onset of stroke, it also implies that any subsequent changes in condition should be treated promptly to ensure optimal recovery and to prevent further complications.
Moreover, patient care is optimally provided through a multidisciplinary approach where the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, among others, review and enact care plans together to ensure comprehensive and effective patient management.