In the context of organ systems, which patient should a nurse assess first based on the urgency of the condition?

• A. A patient with a common cold
• B. A patient with a sprained ankle
• C. A patient with a mild headache
• D. A patient with a suspected myocardial infarction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the organ systems involved in each condition: the respiratory system for a common cold, the musculoskeletal system for a sprained ankle, the nervous system for a mild headache, and the cardiovascular system for a myocardial infarction.
2. Understand the potential severity and urgency of each condition: a common cold is typically mild and self-limiting, a sprained ankle can cause discomfort but is not life-threatening, a mild headache is usually not urgent, while a myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a medical emergency.
3. Recognize the symptoms and complications associated with a myocardial infarction, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and the risk of heart damage or cardiac arrest, which require immediate medical attention.
4. Prioritize the conditions based on the potential threat to life and the need for urgent intervention, with myocardial infarction being the most critical due to its life-threatening nature.
5. Conclude that the patient with a suspected myocardial infarction should be assessed first due to the immediate risk to their cardiovascular health and the need for rapid treatment to prevent severe complications.