Final answer:
The priority nursing action for a client with upper GI bleeding is to obtain vital signs to assess their immediate health status and identify the severity of the condition. Option 1 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a client arriving at the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and in moderate distress, the priority nursing action is to obtain vital signs. This is critical to assess the client's immediate health status and to identify any life-threatening conditions that may require urgent attention.
Vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature, can help in understanding the severity of the bleeding and the stability of the patient. These measures give insight into the client's hemodynamic status and are essential before proceeding with further investigation or interventions such as inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube or conducting a physical assessment.
The priority nursing action for a client arriving at the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and moderate distress is to obtain vital signs.
This is important because vital signs provide crucial information about the client's overall condition, including their blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, which can indicate the severity of the bleeding and the need for immediate interventions. By obtaining vital signs first, the nurse can quickly assess the client's stability and make appropriate decisions about further interventions and treatment.