In the Emergency Department, a Patient's Vital Signs Are: Blood

Multiple Choice

In the emergency department, a patient's vital signs are: blood pressure (BP) , 66/40 mm Hg; pulse (P) , 140 beats per minute (bpm) ; and respirations (R) , 8 breaths per minute and shallow. The patient overdosed on illegally obtained hydromorphone (Dilaudid) . Select the priority outcome.

A) Within 8 hours, vital signs will stabilize as evidenced by BP greater than 90/60 mm Hg, P less than 100 bpm, and respirations at or above 12 breaths per minute.
B) The patient will be able to describe a plan for home care and achieve a drug-free state before being released from the emergency department.
C) The patient will attend daily meetings of Narcotics Anonymous within 1 week of beginning treatment.
D) The patient will identify two community resources for the treatment of substance abuse by discharge.