Final answer:
When a nurse records an adult patient's heart rate as 140 beats/min, the correct step is to report the rate immediately, as it is indicative of tachycardia, which requires further evaluation by the health care team.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse finds that an adult patient's heart rate is 140 beats/min, the appropriate action would be D. Report the rate immediately. This heart rate is considered to be tachycardia, which is a condition where the resting heart rate is above 100 beats per minute. An elevated heart rate could be a sign of various health issues; therefore, it requires prompt attention to assess the underlying cause and determine the need for any urgent intervention.
Taking an adult's pulse and finding a rate of 140 beats/min is significantly higher than the normal resting heart rate of 60-100 beats/min. A rapid heart rate may be transient and due to benign causes like exercise or excitement, but it could also indicate more serious conditions such as heart rhythm disorders, dehydration, infection, or other stressors on the body. Consequently, it is crucial that such a finding is communicated to the health care team without delay.
Once reported, further evaluation of the patient's state can be carried out, including monitoring of vital signs such as blood pressure, rhythm analysis through electrocardiogram (ECG), and assessment for associated symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Recording the information and rechecking the pulse and blood pressure after an appropriate interval is also essential to track any changes and respond accordingly.