A 16-year-old adolescent who was jogging in 90°F heat is found confused. What is the initial management by the pediatric nurse practitioner?

A 16-year-old adolescent who was jogging in 90°F heat is found confused. What is the initial management by the pediatric nurse practitioner?

• A. Start oral rehydration, remove clothing, and elevate the legs
• B. Give Gatorade to replenish fluids, and send the adolescent to the emergency room
• C. Evaluate the adolescent for neurologic deficits
• D. Refer the adolescent to the emergency room immediately

Answer: (A)

When someone is overheated and confused after strenuous activity, the immediate goal is to begin noninvasive cooling and restore intravascular volume while arranging urgent care. Removing excess clothing enables the body to dissipate heat more effectively. If the patient is awake and able to swallow, giving an oral electrolyte solution (oral rehydration) helps replace fluids and electrolytes without delaying transport. Elevating the legs can support venous return and help improve perfusion if there is volume loss from sweating. These steps are quick, safe first actions the clinician can initiate right away, before proceeding to definitive care in the emergency setting.

When someone is overheated and confused after strenuous activity, the immediate goal is to begin noninvasive cooling and restore intravascular volume while arranging urgent care. Removing excess clothing enables the body to dissipate heat more effectively. If the patient is awake and able to swallow, giving an oral electrolyte solution (oral rehydration) helps replace fluids and electrolytes without delaying transport. Elevating the legs can support venous return and help improve perfusion if there is volume loss from sweating. These steps are quick, safe first actions the clinician can initiate right away, before proceeding to definitive care in the emergency setting.