A bedside monitor suddenly displays a flat line, but the patient is awake, speaking and has a palpable pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer: C. Assess the patient and check the electrodes and cable connections
- A. Begin chest compressions immediately
- B. Administer intravenous adrenaline
- C. Assess the patient and check the electrodes and cable connections
- D. Prepare the defibrillator for an unsynchronised shock
Explanation
The patient clearly has circulation, so the monitor tracing is probably artefact or a disconnected lead. The nurse should assess the patient first and then check the electrodes and cables rather than treating the monitor display alone.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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