A client is in the emergency room in critical condition and hypotensive. Her spouse is distraught. What is the priority nursing action?

Choice A reason: Intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are common and expected after surgery and anesthesia. They indicate that the client's bowel function is returning to normal.

Choice B reason: A minor headache and taking an overthe counter pain pill at home are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are mild and manageable symptoms that may be related to stress, dehydration, or caffeine withdrawal. They do not indicate a serious complication or adverse reaction.

Choice C reason: Refusing pain medication and doing physical therapy are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of the client's preference and motivation to recover. They may also suggest that the client's pain is wellcontrolled or tolerable.

Choice D reason: Paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder are signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of a possible nerve injury, compression, or ischemia that may result from the surgery, swelling, or hematoma. They may also indicate a worsening of the client's rheumatoid arthritis or a development of a complex regional pain syndrome. They require prompt assessment and intervention to prevent permanent damage or disability.

Choice A reason: Putting on nonsterile gloves is the first action that the nurse should take before performing a wound culture. This is to protect the nurse from exposure to blood and body fluids and to prevent crosscontamination. Nonsterile gloves are sufficient for wound care as long as the wound is not sterile or infected.

Choice B reason: Gently removing the soiled dressings is the second action that the nurse should take after putting on nonsterile gloves. This is to expose the wound and prepare it for irrigation and culture. The nurse should discard the soiled dressings in a biohazard bag and observe the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or odor.

Choice C reason: Irrigating the wound is the third action that the nurse should take after removing the soiled dressings. This is to cleanse the wound and remove any debris or bacteria. The nurse should use sterile normal saline or an antiseptic solution as prescribed by the provider and irrigate the wound with a syringe or a spray bottle. The nurse should avoid touching the wound with the irrigation device and collect the runoff in a basin or a towel.

Choice D reason: Labeling the specimen tube is the last action that the nurse should take after irrigating the wound and obtaining the culture. This is to ensure that the specimen is correctly identified and processed by the laboratory. The nurse should label the tube with the client's name, date, time, and site of the wound. The nurse should also document the procedure and the wound assessment in the client's chart.