A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to muscle weakness. Difficulty swallowing, hyperreflexia, and diarrhoea are not typical signs of hypokalemia.

Other choices are not correct because:

B. Difficulty swallowing: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.

C. Hyperreflexia: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.

D. Diarrhea: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Closing the door to the client’s room would help to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas. However, this should not be the nurse’s first action. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining a fire extinguisher is an important step in responding to a fire. However, it should not be the first action taken by the nurse. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice C rationale: Pulling the fire alarm panel is an important step in alerting others in the facility about the fire. However, it should not be the first action taken by the nurse. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice D rationale: The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. If there is a fire in the client’s room, the nurse should first remove the client from the room to ensure their safety. Once the client is safe, the nurse can then take further actions to respond to the fire, such as pulling the fire alarm panel, closing the door to the room, and obtaining a fire extinguisher.