A 45-year-old patient reports severe abdominal pain rated at…

A 45-year-old patient reports severe abdominal pain rated at 8 out of 10 on the pain scale. The patient is restless, sweating, and has a facial grimace. You also note guarding of the abdomen upon palpation. Which of the following is the most important initial nursing action?

At last measurement, the client’s vital signs were as follow…

At last measurement, the client’s vital signs were as follows: oral temperature 98°F (36.7°C), heart rate 76 beats/min, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, and blood pressure (BP) 118/60 mm Hg. Four hours later, the vital signs are as follows: oral temperature 103.2°F (38.5°C), heart rate 76 beats/min, respiratory rate 14 breaths/min, and blood pressure 120/66 mm Hg. Which should be the nurse’s first intervention at this time?