The 20-year-old healthy soccer player is brought to the emergency department after collapsing at the end of a summer soccer game. The patient is lethargic and confused about the event. Upon assessment, the nurse notes flushed, dry skin that is warm to the touch. The oral mucosa is dry, as well. Vitals are as follows: temperature 40.7°C, heart rate 122 bpm, respiratory rate 20, and blood pressure 116/64 mmHg. A rectal thermistor is inserted and aggressive cooling measures are instituted. After 30 minutes in the ice bath, the patient’s rectal temperature is 39.1°C and the ice is partially melted. Which action by the nurse is most important?  

The patient presents to the emergency department (ED) stating, “I started getting this terrible pressure in my chest after mowing the lawn. I just know I’m having a heart attack.” Following testing, the patient is diagnosed with angina pectoris. The patient asks, “If I didn’t have a heart attack, why did I have such bad chest pain?” Which response is appropriate?

A patient hospitalized with ulcerative colitis develops worsening abdominal pain, a fever of 103 °F, heart rate of 132 bpm, and blood pressure of 82/54 mmHg. Her labs are notable for an elevated white blood cell count. What is the nurse’s first action?