Medical Emergencies · single question
A sedated patient's monitor suddenly shows a steep drop in blood pressure, yet the patient looks clinically stable. The first thing to do is:
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Correct answer: A. Check the monitor cables/cuff placement (rule out artifact)
- A. Correct. When a reading conflicts with a stable-appearing patient, first verify the equipment (cuff size/placement, cable/lead connections) to exclude artifact before acting.
- B. CPR is for confirmed cardiac arrest, not an isolated discordant number.
- C. Epinephrine is not given for an unverified reading in a stable patient.
- D. Reversal is premature before confirming the reading is real.
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