A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving continuous bladder irrigation following a transurethral resection of the prostate 4 hr ago.
The nurse notes pink-tinged urine in the drainage bag.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

"Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights." This is the correct answer. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights, along with an asymmetrical appearance of the spine when viewed from the back, are clinical manifestations of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt before puberty. Screening for scoliosis typically involves assessing the alignment of the spine and looking for these asymmetries.

Choice B rationale:

Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum is not a typical sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily affects the upper back and can cause a side-to-side curvature of the spine, not the sacrum.

Choice C rationale:

Limited range-of-motion of the hips is not a specific indicator of scoliosis. Restricted hip movement might suggest other musculoskeletal issues but is not directly related to scoliosis.

Choice D rationale:

Mild pain in the hip region is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis. While scoliosis can cause discomfort, it typically manifests as back pain, not specifically in the hip region. Pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals and might not be present in all cases of scoliosis.

Choice A rationale:

The client with epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities might be experiencing complications related to the epidural, such as epidural hematoma or nerve damage. However, the immediate concern is the client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea. Tachypnea can indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening respiratory status due to the fracture, both of which require urgent assessment and intervention.

Choice B rationale:

The client with diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.89% has a well-controlled blood glucose level. This condition does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea, who might be experiencing a life-threatening complication.

Choice C rationale:

The client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea is the priority for assessment. Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening lung function due to the fracture. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Choice D rationale:

The client with sinus arrhythmia and cardiac monitoring is stable and does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea.