PRIORITY Patient Activity

Part I: Who does the nurse see first?

“Herbie Saunders is a 62-year-old male who came in last nightfor a CHF exacerbation. His doctor is Dr. Davis and he’s a fullcode. He’s alert and oriented and can make his needs known. He’s ontele, normal sinus rhythm with occasional PVCs. His pressures arefine, heart rate is in the 70s. Lungs are clear in the uppers withcrackles in the bases.

He’s coughing up a small amount of white frothy secretions. He’sbeen on room air since he arrived, oxygen sats are in the low-mid90s. He got 40 mg IV Lasix last night in the ED; I think you mighthave something scheduled during your shift but I haven’t givenanything overnight. He has a 20 gauge in his right forearm. I’m notsure how he gets around since he’s been in bed since he gothere.”