Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) Practice test

What should the RPN's next nursing action be for a resident reporting sleepiness and having a low blood pressure?

1. Provide fluids

2. Administer glucose tablets

3. Reassess vital signs in 15 minutes

4. Encourage deep breathing exercises

The correct answer is: Provide fluids

The most appropriate nursing action in response to a resident reporting sleepiness and having low blood pressure is to provide fluids. Low blood pressure can lead to decreased perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs, which may also contribute to feelings of sleepiness or lethargy. Administering fluids can help to increase blood volume, potentially elevating blood pressure and improving the resident's overall condition. In this scenario, it's essential to act promptly to address the low blood pressure. Providing fluids can also help rule out dehydration as a contributing factor. This initial intervention is critical before considering further assessments or other treatments based on the resident's response to the fluid administration. Administering glucose tablets may not address the underlying issue of low blood pressure, especially if the sleepiness is not related to hypoglycemia. Reassessing vital signs in 15 minutes may be important afterward, but immediate action to stabilize the resident's condition is necessary. Encouraging deep breathing exercises, while beneficial for anxiety or promoting relaxation, does not directly address the critical issue of low blood pressure and may not be effective in this situation.