• 4 ounce apple Juice 8 ounces milk
• 4 ounces broth
• 4 ounces tea

A client remains on strict intake and output (1&O) on the first postoperative day and documents the last 8 hours of intake on the I&O bedside record above. How many mL should the practical nurse (PN) document in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

(Enter numeric value only.)

The practical nurse (PN) should include the following actions when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of fluid volume excess:

• Palpate the rate and volume of the pulse: Fluid volume excess can lead to an increased pulse rate and bounding pulse due to the increased blood volume.
• Measure body weight at the same time daily: Monitoring daily weights can help identify fluid retention or weight gain, which can be indicative of fluid volume excess.
• Observe the color and amount of urine: Changes in urine color and output can provide information about kidney function and fluid balance. In fluid volume excess, urine output may be increased and urine may appear pale or diluted.

The following options are incorrect:

• Check fingernails for the presence of clubbing: Clubbing of the fingernails is not directly related to fluid volume excess. It is a finding commonly associated with chronic respiratory conditions and certain cardiac disorders.
• Compare muscle strength of both arms: Assessing muscle strength is not directly related to fluid volume excess. It is more relevant when evaluating neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.

A. Reporting any drainage observed around the gastrostomy tube insertion site is important for monitoring potential infection or complications; however, it is not the most immediate concern during a total bed bath.
B. While using plenty of pillows to position the client on the side after bathing is important for comfort and skin integrity, it does not address the safety of the feeding during the bath.
C. Keeping the head of the bed raised while the tube feeding is infusing is the most critical instruction. This position helps prevent aspiration and ensures that the feeding is administered safely while maintaining the client’s airway during the bathing process.
D. Raising the entire bed while bathing the client is helpful for the caregiver's ergonomics but does not take precedence over ensuring the client’s safety regarding the gastrostomy tube feeding.