The nurse is reviewing orders for a patient in anaphylactic shock.

Which medications should the nurse plan to administer first?

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that electrical burns can cause more skin damage than what can be seen on the skin, this statement does not fully address the client’s misconception about the severity of their burn.
Choice B rationale
This is the best response because it directly addresses the client’s misconception and provides accurate information. Electrical burns can indeed have small amounts of skin damage but cause more extensive damage beneath the skin. This is because the electrical current can pass through the body and damage internal tissues and organs, even if the visible wound on the skin is small.
Choice C rationale
While electrical burns can cause reddened or purplish skin, they do not typically cause blistering. Furthermore, this statement does not address the client’s misconception about the severity of their burn.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect. Electrical burns are not typically minor. They can cause serious internal injuries and complications, even if the visible wound on the skin is small.

Choice A rationale
The vital signs presented in this choice are within the normal range. A blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg is considered normal. A heart rate of 92/min is slightly elevated but still within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute). A temperature of 38.1° C (100.6° F) indicates a slight fever, which could be a response to an infection or inflammation. An oxygen saturation of 95% on room air is within the normal range (95%-100%).
Choice B rationale
The vital signs presented in this choice indicate that the patient may be experiencing a respiratory issue. A blood pressure of 126/84 mm Hg is slightly elevated but still within the acceptable range. A heart rate of 104/min is high, indicating that the heart is working harder than normal. A respiratory rate of 24/min is also high, suggesting that the patient may be having difficulty breathing. A temperature of 38.5 C (101.3* F) indicates a fever, which could be a response to an infection. An oxygen saturation of 92% on room air is below the normal range (95%-100%), suggesting that the patient is not getting enough oxygen. This is the vital sign that should be addressed first.