A 20-Year-Old Patient Who Has Inhaled Cocaine Is Admitted to the Emergency

question 18

Multiple Choice

A 20-year-old patient who has inhaled cocaine is admitted to the emergency department with palpitations and shortness of breath. Which of these actions ordered by the health care provider will the nurse implement first?

• A) Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
• B) Start O₂ at 4 L/minute.
• C) Draw blood for drug screening.
• D) Infuse normal saline at 100 ml/hr.

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Definitions:

Cathode Rays

Streams of electrons observed in vacuum tubes, leading to the discovery of electron properties and the development of electronic devices.

Arc

A luminous discharge of electricity through gas.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points, or the push that drives an electric current between those points.

Conduction

The transfer of heat or electricity through a substance, resulting from a difference in temperature or electrical potential.