Biology Forums - Study Force

A patient who is being treated for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complains of chest pain and shortness of breath. Which of the following should the nurse do first?
1. Elevate the head of the bed and begin oxygen therapy.
2. Obtain a 12-lead EKG and notify the physician.
3. Measure the patient’s blood pressure.
4. Assess the extremity with the thrombosis and heart sounds.
5. Assess the pulses on the extremity with the thrombosis and check the PT/INR level .

1. Elevate the head of the bed and begin oxygen therapy.

You can cross out the rest of the options they arent any good. Airway is the first thing you do for A,B,C's. You need to give oxygen to the patient who is experiencing angina and SOB.

Immediately report patient complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath, anxiety, or a sense of impending doom. The manifestations of pulmonary embolism are similar to those of myocardial infarction. Prompt intervention to restore pulmonary blood flow can reduce the risk of significant adverse effects. Initiate oxygen therapy, elevate the head of the bed, and reassure the patient who is experiencing manifestations of pulmonary embolism. Oxygen therapy and elevating the head of the bed promote ventilation and gas exchange in those alveoli that are well-perfused, and help to maintain tissue oxygenation. The other interventions are not the priority and would delay the initiation of required interventions in this situation.