A patient in a seclusion room suddenly reports crushing chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer: B. Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and obtain urgent help
- A. Continue seclusion and reassess after the patient calms
- B. Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and obtain urgent help
- C. Offer reassurance that anxiety commonly causes chest pain
- D. Administer the next psychiatric medication as prescribed
Explanation
Chest pain with sweating and breathlessness may indicate a life-threatening medical emergency, so ABC assessment and urgent assistance take priority. A psychiatric diagnosis must not be used to dismiss new physical symptoms.
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About Psychiatric Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies include suicidal behavior, homicide risk, severe agitation, panic, acute psychosis, delirium, overdose, and withdrawal states. Students examine rapid risk assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, environmental safety, emergency medication, observation levels, and the immediate priorities that differ from routine psychiatric nursing care.
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