The nurse teaches a student nurse about diagnostic studies used for acute coronary syndrome. Which statement made by the student nurse indicates effective learning?

The most important finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a hypertensive emergency is option B, "The client cannot move the left arm and leg when asked to do so."

Hypertensive emergencies are critical situations where extremely high blood pressure levels can lead to damage or dysfunction in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. Neurological symptoms are particularly concerning in this context, as they may indicate acute brain injury or stroke resulting from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Option A, "Tremors are noted in the fingers when the client extends the arms," could be concerning but is not as immediately critical as the neurological deficit described in option B. Tremors can have various causes and may not directly relate to the hypertensive emergency unless other signs or symptoms of neurologic impairment are also present.

Option C, "Urine output over 8 hours is 250 mL less than the fluid intake," is relevant to monitor the client's fluid status and kidney function, but it does not indicate an acute, life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention like the neurological deficit in option B.

Option D, "The client reports a headache with pain at level 7 of 10 (0 to 10 scale)," is concerning and may be a symptom of the hypertensive emergency, but it is not as urgent as the neurological findings. Headache can be a symptom of elevated blood pressure, but it is not sufficient on its own to determine the severity of the hypertensive crisis.

In a hypertensive emergency, the priority is to identify and manage potential complications, such as neurological deficits, acute organ damage, or signs of target organ dysfunction. Prompt reporting of any neurological changes is crucial, as it may prompt immediate interventions to prevent further neurological deterioration. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client's neurological status promptly and determine appropriate management to prevent further complications.

The patient is apneic (not breathing) and has no palpable pulses, indicating a cardiac arrest or severe cardiovascular compromise. In this situation, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take next is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

CPR is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs when the heart is not effectively pumping. In the case of cardiac arrest, early initiation of CPR is critical to improve the chances of survival and minimize potential brain damage.

The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia, rate 132, which suggests that the electrical impulses are reaching the heart, but the heart is not effectively pumping blood due to the lack of a palpable pulse. This condition requires immediate intervention with CPR rather than other treatments such as synchronized cardioversion (option A) or administering atropine (option D).

While applying supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (option C) is generally important in many emergency situations, it is not the immediate priority when a patient is apneic and has no palpable pulses. In such cases, CPR takes precedence to restore circulation and maintain oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs.