A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Place area rugs on slick floor surfaces. Area rugs can increase the risk of falls, especially on slippery floors. They can easily shift or curl at the edges, creating tripping hazards. If rugs are necessary, they should be secured with non-slip backing or removed entirely for safety.
B. Move the client's bed to the main floor of the house. Reducing the need to navigate stairs decreases fall risk, especially for clients with mobility issues. Keeping essential living spaces, such as the bedroom and bathroom, on one level minimizes hazards and promotes safer movement within the home.
C. Keep lighting in the home dim. Adequate lighting is essential for fall prevention, particularly in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Dim lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles, increasing the likelihood of tripping. Bright, well-distributed lighting helps ensure visibility and safety.
D. Place the bedside table 2 feet away from the bed. The bedside table should be within easy reach to prevent overextending or getting out of bed unnecessarily. Keeping essential items, such as water, medications, or a phone, close to the bed minimizes the need for unnecessary movement that could lead to falls.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, which can develop when the protective barrier is compromised due to prolonged rupture of membranes. This client reported clear fluid discharge the previous evening, indicating that the membranes have been ruptured for an extended period. The risk of infection increases significantly as time progresses. Additionally, the client exhibits signs of maternal restlessness and increased fetal heart rate, which could indicate an early response to infection or fetal distress.

Hemorrhage is a significant risk during labor, especially as the cervix approaches full dilation and the client exhibits increasing amounts of blood-tinged vaginal discharge. The client’s history of previous pregnancy loss and current cervical changes suggest that monitoring for postpartum hemorrhage will be essential, particularly after delivery.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is a severe complication associated with conditions such as placental abruption, preeclampsia, or amniotic fluid embolism. However, this client does not exhibit hallmark signs such as widespread bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, or abnormal clotting, making this a less likely immediate risk.

Seizures are characteristic of eclampsia, which is typically preceded by severe preeclampsia. While the client is restless and experiencing significant pain, there are no findings of hypertension, hyperreflexia, or neurological disturbances such as visual changes or altered mental status, making seizures an unlikely concern at this time.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and systemic symptoms. This client has stable blood pressure readings within the normal range, no evidence of proteinuria, and no indications of significant organ dysfunction, making preeclampsia an unlikely concern.

Dehydration is a potential concern due to the client’s nausea, vomiting, and lack of recent oral intake. However, there are no immediate signs of hemodynamic instability, such as hypotension or tachycardia, suggesting that dehydration is not the most pressing concern at this moment.