A client reports passing 2 to 3 small, hard stools per week since being placed on a low-residue diet three months ago. Which type of laxative should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to recommend first?

A. Temperature 99.9° F (37.7° C): A mild fever (99.9°F) is not a direct indicator of dehydration but could be related to other factors, including the body’s response to stress. It is not an immediate priority compared to other signs like poor skin turgor or low blood pressure.

B. Respirations 34 breaths/minute: An elevated respiratory rate may occur with dehydration, but it is not specific to dehydration alone. It should be monitored, especially when combined with other symptoms, but it is not a sole indicator of dehydration.

C. Heart rate 136 beats/minute: A heart rate of 136 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate dehydration, as the body attempts to compensate for reduced blood volume. Tachycardia is a common response to fluid loss and requires immediate follow-up.

D. Weak peripheral pulses: Weak peripheral pulses reflect poor circulation, which can be a result of dehydration. This finding indicates decreased perfusion and demands urgent attention to restore fluid balance and ensure proper circulation.

E. Dry mucous membranes: Dry mucous membranes are a hallmark sign of dehydration, as the body reduces fluid availability for non-essential processes. This finding should be immediately addressed, as it is a clear sign of fluid loss.

F. Body mass index (BMI) 21.9 kg/m²: BMI is a general indicator of body weight and is not related to fluid balance. While it provides useful information about the client’s overall health, it does not directly point to dehydration or fluid loss.

G. Blood pressure 100/52 mm Hg: Low blood pressure, especially in the context of dehydration, is a significant concern. A blood pressure of 100/52 mm Hg is a sign of hypovolemia or fluid loss, and immediate intervention is needed to restore normal fluid volume and prevent shock.

H. Poor skin turgor: Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration, where the skin remains tented after being pinched. This indicates a lack of sufficient fluid in the body, which must be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• The nurse assesses the client. The client reports he was able to sleep through the night:
  Being able to sleep through the night suggests that the client’s pain is adequately managed, indicating progress in terms of pain control post-surgery or trauma care.
• The left arm is warm to touch: The warmth of the left arm indicates that circulation has improved from initially cool to touch. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that there are no significant vascular complications following the fracture or trauma.
• The client's left shoulder and collarbone are symmetric: Symmetry of the shoulder and collarbone suggests that there is no new displacement or injury to the bones post-trauma or surgery. This is a good sign indicating that the fracture is properly stabilized.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• The client notes continued numbness in his left arm, along with a tingling sensation, and is not able to move his fingers: The numbness, tingling, and inability to move his fingers may indicate nerve involvement, which could be a sign of complications such as nerve compression or injury due to the fracture.
• The client reports mild nausea and has no desire to eat breakfast: Mild nausea is expected after anesthesia or pain medications, but continued lack of appetite or worsening nausea may signal complications, such as a delayed reaction to anesthesia or a side effect from medication, which should be monitored.
• There is a 1.18 in (3 cm) by 1.97 in (5 cm) area of blood noted on the bandage: While some blood may be expected post-surgery or after trauma, a blood stain of this size should be evaluated for any indication of active bleeding or complications such as hematoma formation. It may not be expected if the bleeding had been controlled.