Certified Radiology Nurse Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In the context of managing a patient experiencing a suspected reaction to contrast media, the priority following an airway assessment is to check vital signs. This is a crucial step because monitoring vital signs provides immediate insight into the patient's hemodynamic status and overall stability. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, can indicate whether the patient's condition is deteriorating and help guide further interventions.

Assessing vital signs after ensuring the airway is open allows the healthcare provider to identify any signs of shock, respiratory distress, or other complications that may arise from the reaction to the contrast media. This information is vital for making informed decisions about subsequent steps in management, such as administering fluids, medications, or alerting additional medical personnel if necessary.

The other choices involve important actions, but they come after ensuring the patient is stable as indicated by the vital signs assessment. For instance, administering IV fluids may be appropriate depending on the vital signs, while providing antihistamines would depend on the type and severity of the reaction observed. Calling for emergency assistance is critical for severe reactions but typically follows the rapid assessment of vital signs to determine the urgency.