A nurse is assisting in the care of a client

Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

A. Temperature: The client’s temperature increased from 37.2°C (99°F) to 38.9°C (102°F), indicating a possible infection or systemic inflammatory response. Fever in acute pancreatitis can suggest worsening inflammation, infection, or sepsis and should be reported immediately.
B. Blood pressure: The client's blood pressure dropped from 126/78 mmHg to 92/48 mmHg, indicating hypotension, which could be due to fluid shifts, systemic inflammation, or early shock. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent hemodynamic instability.
C. Pain: While severe pain (rated 10/10) is expected in acute pancreatitis, it is not the most urgent concern requiring immediate reporting compared to hemodynamic instability and respiratory distress.
D. Urine output: The current urine output is not critically low (50-60 mL/hr), but continued monitoring is necessary. However, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern requiring urgent reporting.
E. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate increased from 90/min to 132/min, which is a significant tachycardia. This suggests compensatory shock, fluid loss, or worsening systemic inflammation and requires immediate provider notification.
F. Respiratory status: The respiratory rate increased from 18/min to 32/min, and oxygen saturation dropped to 88% on 3 L/min O₂. This suggests respiratory compromise, possibly due to worsening systemic inflammation, pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
G. Sodium level: The sodium level remains within the normal range (142 mEq/L; normal: 136-145 mEq/L), so it does not require immediate reporting.
H. Mental confusion: The client, who was alert on Day 1, is now disoriented. This change in mental status can indicate worsening systemic inflammation, hypoxia, or impending shock, requiring urgent intervention.
I. Serum amylase level: While elevated (498 units/L), this is expected in pancreatitis and does not require immediate notification unless there is a sudden drastic change.
J. Cold, clammy skin: This is a sign of poor perfusion and possible shock. It indicates worsening hemodynamic instability and requires immediate intervention.

A) Arterial blood gases: Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests are typically used to assess respiratory and metabolic function, including the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. While important in many clinical situations, ABGs are not specifically relevant for monitoring a client on levothyroxine, as it does not directly affect gas exchange or acid-base balance.

B) Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH is the most important laboratory test to monitor in a client taking levothyroxine, as this medication is used to replace or supplement thyroid hormone levels. Levothyroxine directly affects thyroid hormone levels in the body, so monitoring TSH levels is essential for determining whether the medication dosage needs to be adjusted. Elevated TSH levels may indicate that the dose is too low, while low levels may suggest an overdose.

C) Prothrombin time: Prothrombin time (PT) is used to assess blood clotting and coagulation status. While certain thyroid conditions can influence coagulation, PT is not a routine test to monitor in clients on levothyroxine therapy unless there are specific concerns related to bleeding or clotting. It is not the most relevant test for monitoring thyroid function in this context.

D) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels reflect kidney function and hydration status. While kidney function is always important to monitor, BUN is not specifically used to assess the effects of levothyroxine therapy. It would not provide direct information regarding the effectiveness of the medication or the thyroid status of the client.