A client who had bariatric surgery 2 months ago is admitted because of vomiting and inability to tolerate food and liquids. The client is pain free. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Rationale:

• Palpate and compare radial pulses: It is important to check radial pulses to assess circulation to the injured limb. Decreased pulse strength, especially in the left arm, could indicate vascular injury, which requires immediate attention.
• Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV: The client is feeling nauseated and worries about vomiting, likely due to postoperative effects, pain medication, or anesthesia. Ondansetron is an antiemetic, which is appropriate to administer to manage nausea and prevent vomiting.
• Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: Checking capillary refill is essential to assess perfusion to both arms. The client’s left arm is experiencing coolness, and diminished pulses were noted earlier, so this is necessary to monitor blood flow and prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
• Inspect the bandage for drainage: After surgery, it is important to inspect the surgical site for any drainage, bleeding, or signs of infection. This helps ensure that there are no complications or issues with wound healing.

• Perform range of motion: Performing range of motion exercises is contraindicated immediately after trauma, especially with a fracture or suspected injury to the shoulder. The shoulder should be immobilized to prevent further damage and to facilitate proper healing. Early movement may worsen the injury or cause additional pain.
• Provide morphine 2 mg IV push (IVP): While he had a nerve block, its effectiveness will wane, and he will likely experience significant pain from the fracture and surgical manipulation. Administering prescribed analgesia like morphine is a priority for pain management.

A. Procure platelet products from the blood bank: UAPs may be delegated non-invasive tasks such as transporting lab specimens or retrieving blood products. This task does not require nursing judgment and is appropriate for delegation under routine supervision.

B. Titrate oxygen to the prescribed parameters: Titrating oxygen requires assessment and clinical judgment, as adjustments depend on vital signs and client condition. This is within the RN or LPN scope, not the UAP’s, due to the potential for rapid status changes.

C. Insert a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated client: Insertion of catheters is an invasive procedure that requires sterile technique and knowledge of anatomy. This task must be performed by a licensed nurse, not a UAP, even in uncomplicated cases.

D. Monitor an IV infusion rate on an established schedule: Although observation is within the UAP role, monitoring IV infusions involves understanding flow rates, recognizing signs of infiltration or complications, and making clinical decisions, all of which exceed UAP scope.