A client is admitted to the medical unit during an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is most important to report which assessment finding to the health care provider?

Choice A reason: Joint pain is a common symptom of SLE, which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Joint pain can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and corticosteroids. Joint pain is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

Choice B reason: Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage or failure. Kidney involvement is one of the most serious complications of SLE, which can lead to end-stage renal disease and require dialysis or transplantation. Hematuria is a critical finding that requires prompt intervention and treatment from the health care provider.

Choice C reason: Low grade fever is another common symptom of SLE, which can be caused by infection, inflammation, or medication side effects. Low grade fever can be treated with antipyretics, fluids, and antibiotics if needed. Low grade fever is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

Choice D reason: Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle mass and strength, which can occur due to inactivity, malnutrition, or steroid use. Muscle atrophy can be prevented or reversed with exercise, nutrition, and physiotherapy. Muscle atrophy is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

Choice A reason: Clear, dark amber-colored urine is not a sign of improvement for a client with cirrhosis and hepatic failure. It may indicate dehydration, which can worsen the condition of the liver and kidneys. The client should be encouraged to drink enough fluids to maintain hydration and urine output.

Choice B reason: Improved level of consciousness is a positive sign for a client with cirrhosis and hepatic failure, but it is not directly related to the treatment plan of low sodium diet and albumin infusions. It may indicate a reduction in ammonia levels, which can cause hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that affects the brain function. The client should be monitored for signs of mental status changes, such as confusion, lethargy, or coma.

Choice C reason: Prothrombin time within normal limits is also a good sign for a client with cirrhosis and hepatic failure, but it is not the main goal of the treatment plan of low sodium diet and albumin infusions. It may indicate an improvement in the liver's ability to produce clotting factors, which can prevent bleeding complications. The client should be checked for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, or hematemesis.

Choice D reason: Decreased abdominal girth is the best indicator of progress toward the desired effect of the treatment plan of low sodium diet and albumin infusions. It means that the client has reduced fluid retention and ascites, which are common complications of cirrhosis and hepatic failure. The client should be measured for abdominal girth daily, and weighed regularly, to monitor the fluid status.