Question

Which of the following patient problems is given the highest priority by the nurse?

a) Fever and chills
b) Difficulty breathing
c) Mild headache
d) Slight nausea

Answer 1

The highest priority patient problem for a nurse is difficulty breathing, as it may indicate a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Other symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea are less critical.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given options, the patient problem that is given the highest priority by the nurse is difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing can indicate a severe underlying condition, such as asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory diseases, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Therefore, it is crucial that it is treated as an emergency.

Other symptoms such as fever and chills, mild headache, and slight nausea, while potentially uncomfortable, are not immediately life-threatening. These symptoms can typically be managed with medication and do not usually require immediate emergency interventions like difficulty breathing does.