The nurse who is working in the emergency department is obtaining evidence for a rape kit from a woman who reports that she was raped while returning to her dormitory from the university library. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Verify the prothrombin time (PT).
While it is important to verify coagulation status in patients with atrial fibrillation to ensure they are not at high risk for bleeding, this is not the most critical step immediately prior to
cardioversion. The PT is more relevant if anticoagulation therapy is being managed.

B. Administer prescribed sedative.
Administering a sedative is important for patient comfort during the procedure, but it is not the most critical step that directly affects the success and safety of the cardioversion itself.

C. Select a monitor lead with a tall R wave.
Selecting a monitor lead with a tall R wave helps in accurately synchronizing the cardioversion shock with the R wave, but this is secondary to activating the synchronization mode which is critical to avoid delivering a shock during the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle.

D. Activate the synchronization mode.
This is the correct answer. The most important action before deploying the current for cardioversion is to ensure the defibrillator is in synchronization mode. Synchronization ensures that the electrical shock is delivered at the correct time during the cardiac cycle, specifically on the R wave of the QRS complex, to avoid inducing ventricular fibrillation. This is crucial for
patient safety.

A. Administer oxygen 5 L/minute via simple face mask: Oxygen administration is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation and address the client's low oxygen saturation of 82%.
Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further compromise the client's condition. Therefore, administering oxygen should be the first action taken to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to vital organs.
B. Bacitracin applied topically to lacerations every 12 hours: While wound care is important, administering oxygen and establishing IV access take precedence over topical
treatment. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are critical in the immediate management of a trauma patient to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery.

C. Place 2 large bore peripheral IV's: Establishing IV access is essential for administering medications and fluids rapidly. This is particularly important in this scenario where the client may require immediate fluid resuscitation due to hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg).
Large bore IV access allows for rapid infusion of fluids and medications to stabilize the client's hemodynamic status.

D. X-ray of the right arm and cervical spine: While diagnostic imaging is important for assessing injuries, it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and establishing IV access. Oxygenation and fluid resuscitation are higher priorities to stabilize the client's condition before proceeding with diagnostic tests.

E. Computed tomography scan of the brain: While a CT scan of the brain is essential for assessing potential head injuries, the immediate focus should be on stabilizing the client's oxygenation and hemodynamic status. Administering oxygen and fluids take precedence over diagnostic imaging to address the client's hypoxemia and hypotension.

F. Vital signs every 1 hour: Monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment, but it is not as urgent as administering oxygen and fluids. Vital signs should be monitored closely, but immediate interventions to address hypoxemia and hypovolemia are critical to stabilize the client's condition.

G. Give 1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution IV once: The client's hypotension (blood pressure of 83/41 mm Hg) indicates hypovolemia and the need for fluid resuscitation. Administering a bolus of intravenous fluids (1 Liter bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride solution) is essential to address hypovolemia and improve perfusion to vital organs. This intervention helps stabilize the client's blood pressure and prevent further deterioration of her condition.