NCLEXcardiac-and-respiratory-deterioration-recognize-and-act
Cardiac and Respiratory Deterioration: Recognize and Act
Build the instinct to spot early instability in the heart and lungs before it becomes a code situation.
Early Deterioration Signs
- Rising work of breathing
- New confusion or anxiety
- Increasing heart rate with falling blood pressure
- Chest pain, cyanosis, or poor perfusion
- Oxygen saturation drop from the patient’s baseline
Nursing Approach
- Assess the patient immediately
- Support oxygenation and circulation
- Escalate without delay if the patient is unstable
- Reassess after each intervention
NCLEX Rule
If the patient is getting worse, choose the action that protects oxygen delivery and circulation first.
Flashcards
Card 1 of 4
Question
What are two major signs of respiratory deterioration?
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Answer
Increased work of breathing and falling oxygen saturation.
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