Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient with a sedation over-sedation event shows dropping/erratic blood pressure readings. What is the FIRST thing you should do?
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Correct answer: B. Check the blood pressure cuff and tubing for proper placement
- A. Incorrect. While oxygen is important, the first step with ERRATIC readings is to verify the reading is accurate — equipment error must be ruled out before treating an artifact.
- B. Correct. ERRATIC readings → first CHECK THE EQUIPMENT. Verify the BP cuff is properly sized, correctly placed on the arm, not kinked/leaking, and that the patient is not moving. After confirming the reading is accurate and reflects a true hemodynamic change, appropriate clinical intervention follows.
- C. Incorrect. Reversal agents should not be administered based on a potentially erroneous monitor reading.
- D. Incorrect. Calling EMS without first confirming the reading is real risks unnecessary panic and delay.
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