The nurse suspects that the client who has entered the emergency department with severe uterine bleeding is in the early stages of shock. The nurse's first priority is to
A) administer oxygen per nasal cannula.
B) apply super-absorbent perineal pads.
C) place the client in Trendelenburg position.
D) start an intravenous line.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priorities of assessment and care are the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation. Given these options, the nurse would first give the client oxygen, then start an IV line. The client would not be placed in Trendelenburg position, as this compresses the diaphragm and interferes with breathing. Perineal pads are not a priority.

The Nurse Suspects That the Client Who Has Entered the Emergency