Select the Priority Nursing Intervention When Caring for a Patient

question 4

Multiple Choice

Select the priority nursing intervention when caring for a patient after an overdose of amphetamines.

• A) Monitor vital signs.
• B) Observe for depression.
• C) Awaken the patient every 15 minutes.
• D) Use warmers to maintain body temperature.

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Definitions:

Action Potential

A brief change in the electrical charge of a neuronal membrane; the physical basis of the signal that travels the length of the neuron.

Excitation Threshold

The voltage difference between a neuron’s interior and exterior that, if exceeded, causes the neuron to fire.

Action Potential

A temporary reversal of electric polarization of the membrane of a nerve cell or muscle cell, involved in the transmission of signals.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath of nerve fibers that facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses along the neuron.