A nurse plans to take a patient's radial pulse. Which method of examination should be used by the nurse?

A. An unconscious, intubated patient. An oral temperature is not appropriate for an unconscious or intubated patient due to the risk of injury and inability to follow instructions. A tympanic, rectal, or axillary method would be preferred.
B. A patient with bilateral middle ear infections. Tympanic thermometers measure temperature through the ear canal and tympanic membrane, which can be affected by infection or inflammation, leading to inaccurate readings. An oral or alternative method is preferred.
C. An agitated patient who cannot follow directions. Oral temperature requires cooperation, so it would not be suitable for an agitated patient who may bite or not keep the thermometer in place. A tympanic or axillary method would be better.
D. A patient with gastroenteritis who is vomiting. Vomiting can make oral temperature measurement uncomfortable and impractical. A tympanic, axillary, or rectal method would be more appropriate.

Client A has normal vital signs except for a mild fever, no urgent intervention needed.

Client B shows mild tachycardia and increased respiratory rate, but oxygen saturation and blood pressure remain stable, requires monitoring but not immediate action.

Client C has fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea, suggesting infection or dehydration. While assessment is needed, the patient is not in immediate distress compared to Client D.

Client D requires immediate nursing intervention due to the following critical findings: Bradycardia which may indicate poor perfusion, conduction abnormalities, or medication side effects, bradypnea can signal respiratory depression or impending failure, hypotension suggests shock or decreased perfusion, which may lead to organ failure and hypoxia, oxygen saturation below 90% is a critical finding and requires immediate intervention.