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

Multiple Choice

In the emergency department, a patient's vital signs are: BP 66/40 mm Hg; pulse 140 beats/min; respirations 8 breaths/min and shallow. The nursing diagnosis is Ineffective breathing pattern related to depression of respiratory centre secondary to narcotic intoxication. Select the priority outcome.

A) The patient will demonstrate effective coping skills and identify community resources for treatment of substance abuse within 1 week of hospitalization.
B) Within 4 hours, vital signs will stabilize, with BP above 90/60 mm Hg, pulse less than 100 beats/min, and respirations at or above 12 breaths/min.
C) The patient will correctly describe a plan for home care and achieving a drug-free state before release from the emergency department.
D) Within 6 hours, the patient's breath sounds will be clear bilaterally and throughout lung fields.