A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrical burn. With the client’s permission, the nurse is answering questions from the family about his status.

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Check temperature and SPO2

When the nurse finds an adult patient's pulse rate to be 140 beats per minute, it is important to assess other vital signs, particularly temperature and oxygen saturation (SPO2). This helps gather additional information to understand the overall clinical picture and assess for potential underlying causes of the elevated heart rate.

B. Report the rate to the primary care provider:

Reporting the heart rate to the primary care provider may be necessary, but it should not be the immediate action. Assessing other vital signs first provides a more comprehensive understanding.

C. Check the pulse again in 2 hours:

Waiting for 2 hours to recheck the pulse is not appropriate when the heart rate is significantly elevated. Immediate action and further assessment are needed.

D. Record the information:

Recording the elevated heart rate is part of documentation, but it should be accompanied by a more comprehensive assessment of vital signs and potential contributing factors.

A. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions:

While changing the plan of care may be necessary, it should be based on a thorough reassessment. Simply changing the plan without understanding the reasons for inadequate pain relief may not lead to effective outcomes.

B. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.

Reassessment is a crucial step in the nursing process, especially when the desired outcomes are not achieved. By reassessing the client, the nurse can identify any factors contributing to the inadequate pain relief. This might include reevaluating the effectiveness of the current pain relief interventions, ensuring proper administration of medications, considering changes in the client's condition, or exploring any new factors affecting pain.

C. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing his pain:

Teaching is an important aspect, but in this case, reassessment takes precedence. Once the reasons for inadequate pain relief are determined, teaching can be tailored to address specific needs.

D. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours:

If the pain is not adequately controlled, waiting for another 24 hours without action may prolong the client's discomfort and delay appropriate interventions. Reassessment and prompt adjustments to the plan of care are crucial for effective pain management.