A home health nurse is caring for a client who reports difficulty buttoning their clothes due to neuropathy. Which of the following referrals should the nurse make for the client?

Rationale:

A. “Staff will apply identification bands to my baby after her first bath.": Identification bands are applied immediately after birth to ensure proper identification and prevent abduction, not after the first bath. Waiting could increase safety risks.

B. "I will not publish a public announcement about my baby's birth.": Limiting public announcements, such as on social media, reduces the risk of unwanted attention and potential abduction. This demonstrates understanding of newborn security measures.

C. "I can remove my baby's identification band as long as she is in my room.": Identification bands must remain on the newborn at all times to maintain safety and prevent misidentification or abduction. Removing them is unsafe.

D. "I can leave my baby in my room while I walk in the hallway.": Leaving a newborn unattended, even briefly, increases the risk of abduction and is against safety protocols. Constant supervision or staff assistance is required.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, indicating hypotension. This can signal volume depletion or active bleeding, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent shock or organ hypoperfusion.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL and hematocrit of 27% indicate significant anemia, likely from gastrointestinal blood loss. Immediate follow-up is necessary to determine the source and provide interventions such as fluid resuscitation or transfusion.
• Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 118/min, demonstrating tachycardia. This may be compensatory for hypotension or blood loss, suggesting hemodynamic instability and requiring prompt monitoring and intervention.
• Stool results: Positive hemoccult indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which aligns with anemia and tachycardia. Identifying and managing the bleeding source is a priority to prevent further complications.
• Current medication: The client takes high-dose ibuprofen (800 mg three times daily), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to the client’s current presentation and requiring immediate provider notification.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Temperature: The client’s temperature is 37.5° C (99.5° F), slightly elevated but not indicative of infection or immediate risk. Monitoring is appropriate but not urgent.
• WBC count: WBC is 6,700/mm³, within normal limits, indicating no current infection or acute inflammatory response. This does not require immediate follow-up.
• Respiratory rate: Respiratory rate is 18/min, within normal limits for an adult, and does not indicate acute respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is not necessary.