Question

The nurse is prioritizing client care as��� low, medium, or high priority for the current assignment. Which client should the nurse identify as having a ���high-priority��� circumstance? (Select all that��� apply.)

A. A client who is experiencing extreme bouts of diarrhea
B. A client with emphysema and a pulse oximeter reading of 88
C. An extremely confused older client
D. A client who is receiving warfarin��� (Coumadin)
E. A client with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath

Answer 1

A nurse should prioritize as high priority a client with emphysema and a pulse oximeter reading of 88 and a client with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath, as these are life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When prioritizing client care based on the severity of their conditions, a nurse must identify clients who have high-priority circumstances. High-priority clients typically present with conditions that are life-threatening or have the potential to deteriorate quickly if not promptly treated.

• B. A client with emphysema and a pulse oximeter reading of 88 - This client is experiencing significant hypoxemia, a condition that indicates a low level of oxygen in the blood, which is critical and requires immediate attention.
• E. A client with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath - This client is showing symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure, a potentially life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment to improve oxygenation and prevent further decompensation.

Clients experiencing extreme bouts of diarrhea or who are receiving warfarin may be of medium priority, depending on the frequency, severity of symptoms, and risk of complications such as dehydration or bleeding. An extremely confused older client can be a high priority if the confusion is sudden and indicates a potential for harm to self or others, but more information is required to make a definitive prioritization in the scenarios provided.