You Have Just Arrived by the Side of a Nonverbal

question 53

Multiple Choice

You have just arrived by the side of a nonverbal patient with snoring respirations. The caregiver states that they were eating lunch when she suddenly collapsed face first onto the table. She also states that she has a history of a stroke, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. Your priority in caring for this patient at this time would be:

• A) rapid transfer of the patient to the cot.
• B) feel for a radial or carotid pulse.
• C) open and look into the patient's mouth.
• D) obtain a heart rate and blood pressure.

---

Definitions:

Ectopic Stimuli

Electrical or chemical signals occurring at an abnormal location or time in the body, often resulting in irregular physiological responses such as ectopic heartbeats.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart from the body and lungs.

Heart Valves

Structures within the heart that maintain unidirectional blood flow through the heart chambers, including the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves.

Pressure Gradients

A differentiation in pressure that drives the movement of fluids or gases from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.