A nurse is assessing a client who has skeletal traction for a femoral fracture. The nurse notes that the weights are resting on the floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Obtain client weight twice daily

Anticipated: This intervention is anticipated. Monitoring the client's weight is crucial when they are receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) to assess for fluid status, nutritional adequacy, and response to therapy. It helps in adjusting TPN rates and managing fluid balance.

Have 3 nurses verify the TPN solution prescription

Anticipated: Verifying TPN solution prescription by multiple nurses is a critical safety measure to prevent errors in TPN administration, which can have serious consequences. This ensures that the TPN solution matches the prescribed order in terms of content, concentration, and rate.

Request a prescription for insulin

Anticipated: Given the client's hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose of 140 mg/dL) and potential exacerbation by TPN administration (which can be rich in glucose), requesting insulin is appropriate. Insulin helps manage blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia, especially important in clients with diabetes or those on TPN.

Request an antibiotic to be administered

Anticipated: The client presents with signs of infection (fever, productive cough, yellow sputum) and crackles auscultated in the lungs, indicating a possible respiratory infection. Requesting antibiotics is essential to treat the infection promptly and prevent further complications.

Decrease the client's oxygen to 1.5 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula

Nonessential: The client is currently receiving 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula with an oxygen saturation of 90%. Decreasing the oxygen flow may compromise oxygenation further, especially given the crackles and productive cough. It is more appropriate to maintain or potentially increase oxygen support based on the client's oxygen saturation.

Notify provider to increase TPN rate/hr

Contraindicated: The client has diarrhea (3 episodes in the past 4 hours) and an abdominal distension, which may indicate gastrointestinal intolerance to TPN. Increasing the TPN rate could exacerbate diarrhea and worsen fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to address the underlying cause of diarrhea and abdominal symptoms before considering any increase in TPN rate.

A Furosemide is likely to cause hypotension rather than hypertension.

B. Limiting salt intake is highly recommended while on furosemide because excess sodium can cause the body to retain water, which can worsen fluid retention and undermine the effectiveness of the diuretic.

C. Checking the pulse is important for certain medications that can affect heart rate, like beta-blockers. However, furosemide is not typically associated with major effects on pulse rate.

D. While increasing potassium-rich foods such as cantaloupe can be beneficial in managing electrolyte balance, it does not specifically address a potential adverse effect of the medication.