A Patient Comes to the Emergency Department and Tells the Triage

question 4

Multiple Choice

A patient comes to the emergency department and tells the triage nurse that he is "having a heart attack." What is the nurse's top priority at this time?

• A) Determine the patient's personal data and insurance coverage.
• B) Ask the patient to take a seat in the waiting room until his name is called.
• C) Request that a nurse collect data for a comprehensive history.
• D) Ask a nurse to start a focused assessment of this patient now.

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Definitions:

Medulla Oblongata

The lowest region of the brainstem, controlling vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Baroreceptor Reflexes

A mechanism by which the body maintains blood pressure, involving sensors that detect changes in blood pressure and trigger responses.

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed in beats per minute (bpm), indicating cardiovascular activity.

End-diastolic Volume

The volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole, immediately before contraction.