The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) valu

The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) value is a 615 pg/ml. What would the nurse take as the priority action?

1. Call a cardiac code and implement emergency measures
2. Check the patient’s oxygen saturation
3. Inform the physician that the patient has Congestive Heart Failure
Encourage the patient to limit activity

1. Call a cardiac code and implement emergency measures
Incorrect – There is no evidence that the patient is undergoing a cardiac arrest.

Correct Answer: 2. Check the patient’s oxygen saturation
Correct – An elevated BNP indicates that there is decreased cardiac output. A priority intervention would be to ensure proper oxygenation after an assessment.

3. Inform the physician that the patient has Congestive Heart Failure
Incorrect – Although BNP suggests Congestive Heart Failure, it is not used in itself to diagnose CHF. An elevated BNP can also be caused by dysrhythmias or renal disease.

4. Encourage the patient to limit activity
Incorrect – This is an intervention that can help treat CHF, but not a priority action at this time.