A nurse is assigned to a 75-year-old patient with head trauma secondary to falling down the stairs at home. The patient is stable initially, complaining of headache and some dizziness, but no focal neurologic signs. That evening, the patient acutely becomes altered and rapidly loses consciousness. Which of the following most likely explains this patient’s condition?

A nurse is caring for a driver in a motor vehicle accident in which the airbags failed to deploy. After being stabilized, the man developed chest pain and becomes hypotensive. The emergency physician suspects cardiac tamponade. The nurse anticipates which treatment for this condition?

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 mm Hg. 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. The nurse notes the rectal thermistor has stopped working; there are no other rectal thermistors in the facility. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?