An unresponsive male victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save his life.

The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available.

Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Ibuprofen 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for temperature greater than 100.5 °F (38 °C). This order is questionable because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can potentially increase blood pressure, which could be harmful to a patient with hypertension. Furthermore, NSAIDs can mask the symptoms of infection, which could delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious infections.

Choice B rationale:

Enalapril 10 mg every morning. This order is questionable because enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. However, ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough, which could exacerbate the patient’s existing cough due to pneumonia. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can potentially cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), so it’s important to monitor the patient’s electrolyte levels.

Choice C rationale:

Supplemental oxygen 10 L/min via nasal cannula. This order is questionable because a high flow rate of oxygen can potentially cause oxygen toxicity or hyperoxia, which can lead to cellular damage. The typical flow rate for a nasal cannula is between 1-6 L/min. A flow rate of 10 L/min may be too high for this patient, especially without a specified target SpO2 range.

Choice D rationale:

Continuous pulse oximetry. This order is appropriate because it allows for continuous monitoring of the patient’s oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial in a patient with pneumonia and shortness of breath.

Choice E rationale:

Send blood for a complete blood count, electrolytes, blood cultures, and procalcitonin. This order is appropriate because these tests can help monitor the patient’s overall health status and response to treatment.

Choice F rationale:

Admit to the medical floor. This order is appropriate because the patient requires hospitalization for treatment and monitoring due to his pneumonia.

Choice G rationale:

Vital signs every 4 hours. This order is appropriate because it allows for regular monitoring of the patient’s vital signs, which can help detect any changes in his condition.

Choice H rationale:

Chest x-ray now. This order is appropriate because a chest x-ray can help confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia and assess its severity.

Choice I rationale:

Sputum culture and sensitivity. This order is appropriate because it can help identify the specific organism causing the pneumonia and determine its antibiotic sensitivity, which can guide antibiotic therapy.

Choice J rationale:

Levofloxacin 500 mg intravenously every 24 hours. This order is appropriate because levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used to treat pneumonia.

Choice A rationale:

Impaired physical mobility relative to muscle rigidity has the highest priority in the nursing care plan for a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Impaired physical mobility can significantly impact a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and maintain independence. Addressing this issue is crucial to enhance the patient's quality of life and prevent complications such as falls.

Choice B rationale:

While the risk for aspiration relative to muscle weakness is a valid concern in Parkinson's disease, impaired physical mobility takes precedence as it directly affects the patient's ability to move, ambulate, and perform daily activities. Addressing mobility issues is fundamental to maintaining overall functioning and independence.

Choice C rationale:

The risk for constipation relative to immobility is important to address, but it is not the highest priority. Impaired physical mobility can lead to multiple complications, including constipation. However, improving mobility should be the primary focus to prevent a wide range of issues associated with Parkinson's disease.

Choice D rationale:

Self-care deficit relative to motor disturbance is a concern in Parkinson's disease, but it is not the highest priority. Impaired physical mobility directly impacts a patient's ability to engage in self-care activities. By addressing mobility issues first, the nurse can facilitate the patient's ability to perform self-care tasks more independently in the long run.