Which action should the nurse take first when the low pressure alarm sounds for a patient who has an arterial line in the left radial artery?

B. Assessing the client's vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, provides critical information about the client's hemodynamic status and response to the new rhythm. Atrial fibrillation can lead to rapid, irregular heart rates and hemodynamic instability, so obtaining vital signs promptly helps the nurse determine the severity of the situation and whether immediate intervention is needed.

A. This action is not the priority when the nurse observes a new onset of atrial fibrillation. While beta- blockers such as metoprolol may be part of the client's long-term management for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, initiating medication administration without further assessment could delay appropriate intervention for the acute change in rhythm.

C. While it is important to communicate changes in the client's condition to the healthcare provider, this action should occur after the nurse has assessed the client's vital signs and determined the urgency of the situation. If the client is stable and responsive to initial interventions, the nurse can then contact the healthcare provider to discuss the new onset of atrial fibrillation and collaborate on further management.

D. Documenting the changes in the client's rhythm is important for continuity of care and communication among healthcare team members. However, obtaining a rhythm strip should not be the first action when a new onset of atrial fibrillation is observed. Assessing the client's vital signs and initiating appropriate interventions to address any hemodynamic instability take precedence.

C. The first intervention should be to administer normal saline IV at 500 mL/hr to address the immediate concern of hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.

A. While fever control is important, especially in septic shock, administering acetaminophen should not be the first intervention in a patient with severe hypotension and shock. Addressing the low blood pressure and perfusion is a higher priority.

B. Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients, including those with septic shock. However, in this scenario, the patient's severely low blood pressure and signs of shock take precedence over managing hyperglycemia. Insulin therapy can be initiated later once the patient's hemodynamic status is stabilized.

D. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor medication commonly used in septic shock to increase blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs. It helps counteract the vasodilation and hypotension characteristic of septic shock.