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. Which order does the nurse carry out first?

Question

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&deg;C, heart rate 122 bpm, respiratory rate 20, and blood pressure 116/64 mmHg. Which order does the nurse carry out first?

Accepted Answer

Insert rectal thermistor. The nurse first inserts a rectal thermistor for continuous core temperature monitoring. This guides cooling measures to ensure the patient does not become too cold. Once monitoring is in place, the nurse applies ice packs to the axillae and groin and utilizes evaporative cooling by spritzing the patient with water and allowing it to evaporate with fans directed at the patient. Intravenous fluids are important as well, but can be initiated after monitoring and cooling has begun.

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