The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Following effective CPR and administration of epinephrine, which is the next priority nursing action?
Following CPR, the most important priority is to check the client for a pulse. Often the cardiac monitor may display normal sinus rhythm when there is no pulse present. A urinary catheter would not be the first priority. PEA is never shocked. Once airway is established, the client should be monitored for a pulse, regardless whether the monitor displays an organized rhythm or not.
