A female client is admitted with abdominal pain, possibly due to a gastric ulcer. Two days after admission, the client reports feeling nervous and tremulous. Further assessment reveals that the client's family is bringing a gin and tonic each night to help her relax. Which action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

A. Electromyography: Electromyography assesses electrical activity in muscles and is used to diagnose neuromuscular disorders. It is not relevant to evaluating bleeding tendencies or pinpoint skin spots, which suggest a hematologic issue like thrombocytopenia.

B. Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy might help diagnose dermatologic conditions, but it is invasive and not the initial step when systemic drug side effects like petechiae are suspected. The presence of red spots suggests a possible blood disorder requiring laboratory confirmation first.

C. Complete blood count: A CBC is essential to evaluate for thrombocytopenia, a known adverse effect of zidovudine. Pinpoint red spots, or petechiae, are often linked to low platelet counts, which require prompt detection and management to prevent serious complications.

D. Allergy test: Allergy testing identifies hypersensitivity reactions, typically associated with rashes or itching. Petechiae are not commonly caused by allergic reactions but are more indicative of blood abnormalities, making this test less immediately relevant.

A. Clarify end of life desires: While understanding a client’s goals is vital, this may not address her immediate needs. The client is already showing signs of distress and hypoxia, so initiating comfort measures promptly is more urgent than discussing future preferences.

B. Offer sips of favorite beverages: Offering fluids may help with oral comfort but does not address the client’s respiratory distress or overall suffering. It is a low-priority intervention in the setting of acute hypoxia and confusion related to terminal illness.

C. Initiate comfort measures: Comfort measures are the priority for a terminally ill client with hypoxia and confusion who is refusing food and expressing a wish to go home. This aligns care with the client's likely stage in the dying process and ensures symptom relief over aggressive interventions.

D. Prepare for emergent oral intubation: Intubation is invasive and likely inconsistent with palliative goals in end-stage cancer. Without clear patient consent or indication that life-prolonging measures are desired, focusing on comfort is more appropriate and ethical.