A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has terminal cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's autonomy?

A. Psychologist: A psychologist focuses on mental health assessment and therapy rather than medication management. While they are essential for emotional and psychological support, they are not trained to evaluate or address potential drug interactions in a client's medication regimen.

B. Advanced practice nurse: An advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner, has the education and authority to assess medication regimens, recognize potential drug interactions, and make adjustments or recommendations. They are well-qualified to manage complex medication issues and collaborate closely with prescribing providers.

C. Patient care technician: Patient care technicians assist with basic care activities such as hygiene, mobility, and vital signs monitoring but do not have the education or licensure required to evaluate medications. They are not involved in clinical decision-making regarding pharmacologic therapy.

D. Social worker: A social worker provides resources for social support, financial assistance, and counseling, but medication management is outside their scope of practice. They are valuable for holistic care but not for assessing or managing drug interactions specifically.

A. Anorexia: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is not a typical adverse effect directly associated with heparin use. While it may occur due to general postoperative factors, it is not an urgent or life-threatening reaction that necessitates immediate reporting related to anticoagulant therapy.

B. Epistaxis: Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is a sign of potential bleeding complications, which is a major adverse effect of heparin. Because heparin inhibits clot formation, any evidence of spontaneous bleeding must be reported immediately to the provider to assess for potential heparin-induced bleeding disorders.

C. Weight gain: Weight gain could suggest fluid retention, but it is not a typical adverse effect of heparin. While postoperative clients should be monitored for signs of fluid imbalance, sudden bleeding signs like epistaxis are far more critical to recognize and report when administering anticoagulants.

D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not commonly linked to heparin therapy. While abnormal heart rhythms may occur postoperatively for other reasons, they are not typically associated with bleeding risks from heparin and thus do not require urgent reporting specific to heparin use.