Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

For the management of an acute left ventricular heart failure (LVHF), which step should be taken first?

1. Initiate CPR

2. A-E Assessment

3. Administer IV fluids

4. Insert a catheter

The correct answer is: A-E Assessment

In managing acute left ventricular heart failure (LVHF), conducting an A-E assessment is crucial as the first step. This assessment involves evaluating the patient's Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. It helps identify immediate threats to life, the severity of the patient's condition, and necessary interventions required to stabilize the patient. By performing the A-E assessment, healthcare providers can quickly gather vital information regarding the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular status, which are often compromised in heart failure situations. This systematic approach ensures that any life-threatening issues are identified and addressed promptly before initiating specific treatments like IV fluids or other interventions. Furthermore, understanding the patient's overall condition through this assessment will guide subsequent actions, such as determining the need for fluid management or catheter insertion based on the severity of the heart failure. So, initiating an A-E assessment sets the foundation for appropriate and timely management of the patient with acute LVHF.