A nurse is administering an enteric-coated medication to an adult client who has right-sided weakness and is having difficulty swallowing tablet. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. A client who has a urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection is generally straightforward to manage with antibiotics and does not usually require input from multiple disciplines unless complications arise.

B. A client who has a spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury often involves complex care needs requiring input from several disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and nutrition services. Coordinated planning is essential to optimize recovery and long-term management.

C. A client who has acute appendicitis: Acute appendicitis typically requires prompt surgical intervention but does not usually require an interprofessional conference unless there are unusual complications or comorbidities.

D. A client who has a torn rotator cuff: A torn rotator cuff is typically managed with surgical repair or physical therapy. While it may involve multiple providers, it generally does not require a full interprofessional conference unless extensive rehabilitation needs are anticipated.

• Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is administered to pregnant clients at risk of preterm delivery to promote fetal lung maturity. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks and signs of severe preeclampsia, administering corticosteroids is critical to prepare for potential early delivery.
• Monitor intake and output every hour: Severe preeclampsia can impair renal function, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. Hourly monitoring of intake and output helps detect early signs of renal compromise and fluid overload, both of which require immediate intervention.
• Assist RN with performing a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Vaginal examinations are avoided in cases of severe preeclampsia unless absolutely necessary because they can stimulate uterine contractions or introduce infection. Therefore, routinely assisting every 12 hours with vaginal exams is not appropriate in this client's plan of care.
• Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection assesses the degree of proteinuria and provides a clearer diagnostic picture of the severity of preeclampsia. Quantifying protein excretion helps guide clinical management and decisions about timing of delivery.
• Provide a low-stimulation environment: A calm, quiet environment minimizes the risk of seizure activity in clients with severe preeclampsia. Reducing auditory, visual, and environmental stimulation is a standard preventative measure to decrease neurological irritability.
• Give antihypertensive medication: Severe hypertension must be promptly treated to prevent complications like stroke, placental abruption, and progression to eclampsia. Administering antihypertensive therapy helps stabilize maternal blood pressure and protects both maternal and fetal health.
• Maintain bedrest: Bedrest helps reduce blood pressure and physical stress, promoting better perfusion to the placenta. Although strict bedrest is controversial long-term, short-term bedrest is often used in severe preeclampsia management while stabilization measures are implemented.