A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Rotate assignment of daily caregivers: Consistency in caregivers is important for individuals with Alzheimer's disease to build trust and rapport. Rotating caregivers frequently may disrupt the client's routine and lead to increased confusion and anxiety.
B. Provide an activity schedule that changes from day to day: Consistency and routine are beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease as they provide structure and predictability. A consistent activity schedule helps the client feel more secure and can reduce agitation and behavioral issues.
C. Limit time for the client to perform activities: While it may be necessary to pace activities based on the client's abilities and fatigue level, arbitrarily limiting time for the client to perform activities can be counterproductive. Instead, individualizing the pace of activities based on the client's preferences and abilities is more beneficial.
D. Talk the client through tasks one step at a time: Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience cognitive impairment, including difficulty with memory, attention, and problem-solving. Breaking tasks down into manageable steps and providing clear, simple instructions can help the client understand and complete activities of daily living more effectively. This intervention supports the client's independence and reduces frustration.

A. Requesting an order for an antiemetic may be necessary if the client continues to experience nausea, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Before administering medication, the nurse should assess the client's vital signs and overall condition to determine the appropriate intervention.
B. While a dietitian consult may be beneficial to address the client's nutritional needs, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness. Assessing the client's vital signs and condition should be the priority.
C. Suggesting that the client rests before eating the meal may be helpful, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs to determine the severity of the symptoms and any potential complications.
D. Checking the client's vital signs is the first action the nurse should take in response to the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, can provide valuable information about the client's hemodynamic status and help identify any potential complications, such as dehydration or worsening heart failure. Based on the vital signs assessment, the nurse can then implement appropriate interventions, such as notifying the healthcare provider or providing symptomatic relief.