A nurse is admitting a client to the medical-surgical unit.
The Patient Self-Determination Act requires the nurse to perform which of the following actions during the admission process?

Choice A rationale:

Wire cutters are not necessary equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Wire cutters are used for cutting wires and may be found in orthopedic or surgical trays, but they are not specifically required for thoracotomy care.

Choice B rationale:

A tracheostomy tray is not necessary for postoperative care following a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Tracheostomy trays contain supplies for managing a tracheostomy, which is a procedure involving the creation of an opening in the neck to help with breathing. This procedure is not related to thoracotomy care.

Choice C rationale:

Montgomery straps are not necessary equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Montgomery straps are used to secure dressings or bandages without adhesive tape. They are not typically used in thoracotomy care.

Choice D rationale:

A padded clamp is essential equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. The clamp is used to temporarily close or occlude the chest tube during transportation or when changing the drainage system. This prevents air from entering the pleural space, maintaining proper suction and preventing complications such as pneumothorax.

A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.

B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.

C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.

D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.

E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.