Question

A patient with a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute and an oxygen saturation of 92% on room air complains of pain as a 10/10 following a motor vehicle crash. What is the nurse's priority of care for this patient?

A. Patient verbalizes a tolerable level of pain.
B. Patient remains free from further injury.
C. Patient demonstrates improved respiratory status.
D. Patient uses incentive spirometer hourly as instructed.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority of care for this patient should be ensuring the patient remains free from further injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority of care for this patient should be B: Patient remains free from further injury.

While managing a patient's pain is important, in this case, the patient's pain level of 10/10 is likely due to their recent motor vehicle crash and their respiratory status is a concern. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths/minute is higher than the average range of 12-15 breaths/minute, indicating potential respiratory distress. The oxygen saturation of 92% on room air also suggests inadequate oxygenation.

Patient safety is paramount, so the nurse's priority would be to ensure that the patient remains free from further injury. This includes addressing any potential respiratory compromise, ensuring proper oxygenation, and closely monitoring the patient for any signs of worsening respiratory distress or other complications.