The nurse is performing morning care for a patient who sustained a fractured pelvis and bilateral femur fractures yesterday in a motorcycle collision. The patient complains of shortness of breath. Assessment reveals audible wheezes and oxygen saturation of 76%. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: The patient complains of shortness of breath and has audible wheezes, indicating potential respiratory distress.
Step 2: Oxygen saturation of 76% is critically low and requires immediate intervention.
Step 3: Raising the patient to a high Fowler position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
Step 4: This action takes priority to improve the patient's breathing and oxygen saturation levels.
Summary: A is incorrect as establishing an IV line is not the immediate priority. B is incorrect as informing the charge nurse delays direct patient care. C is incorrect as addressing the family is secondary to addressing the patient's urgent needs.