A client admitted with a diagnosis of appendicitis calls the nurse and states, "Do you think I'll still need surgery? My pain suddenly stopped, and I feel much more comfortable now when I bend my knees." Which action should the nurse take?

• Palpate and compare radial pulses: Assessing radial pulses bilaterally is essential after humeral fracture and surgical repair because neurovascular compromise is a major complication. Detecting differences in pulse quality can help identify impaired circulation or compartment syndrome early.

• Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV: The client reports nausea postoperatively, which can increase discomfort and risk for aspiration. Ondansetron is prescribed and effective in controlling nausea by blocking serotonin receptors in the gut and brain, making it an appropriate intervention.

• Perform range of motion: With a displaced humeral head/neck fracture and immediate postoperative status, range-of-motion exercises are contraindicated. Movement of the joint could disrupt fixation, increase bleeding, or worsen pain. Immobilization and stabilization are priorities.

• Provide morphine 2 mg IV push (IVP): The client has a prescription for morphine for severe pain, and his reported pain was previously 10/10 before surgery. Administering morphine is indicated to ensure adequate pain control, prevent sympathetic stress responses, and promote rest and healing.

• Inspect the bandage for drainage: Checking the surgical bandage is necessary to monitor for bleeding or excessive drainage, which may indicate complications such as hemorrhage or infection. Since the order specifies not to remove the dressing, visual inspection only is the correct approach.

• Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: Capillary refill helps evaluate peripheral perfusion, which is critical after orthopedic surgery. Comparing both extremities provides baseline data and helps detect vascular compromise that could threaten limb viability.

A. Duodenal ulcers: There is no direct link between elevated BMI and duodenal ulcers. Ulcers are more commonly associated with H. pylori infection, NSAID use, or stress-related factors rather than obesity.

B. Hyperlipidemia: Obesity is strongly associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Hyperlipidemia contributes to cardiovascular disease and is a common comorbidity in clients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m².

C. Hypertension: Excess body weight increases vascular resistance and cardiac workload, placing obese clients at higher risk for developing hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is a major obesity-related health concern.

D. Atherosclerosis: Chronic hyperlipidemia and hypertension associated with obesity accelerate plaque formation in arteries. Clients with a high BMI are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

E. Stomatitis: There is no established association between obesity and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Stomatitis is usually related to infections, medications, or nutritional deficiencies.