A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is at 24 weeks gestation and reports difficulty breathing, especially when lying flat. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is essential to determine the severity of the breathing difficulty.
Step 2: It helps in identifying potential respiratory issues or complications that may require immediate intervention.
Step 3: This data will guide the nurse in making informed decisions regarding further management and treatment.
Step 4: Encouraging rest (B) may be appropriate after assessment. Administering oxygen and preparing for delivery (C) is premature without assessment. Asking the patient to lie on her left side (D) without initial assessment may delay necessary interventions.