A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured arm in a cast. Which of the following findings about the affected arm should the nurse report to the provider?

Rationale:

A. Triiodothyronine: Triiodothyronine (T3) measures thyroid function and is not related to anticoagulation therapy. It is important for evaluating thyroid disorders but has no role in monitoring the effects of warfarin.

B. Arterial blood gases: Arterial blood gases (ABGs) assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance, not anticoagulation status. ABGs are not used to monitor warfarin therapy.

C. Serum potassium: Serum potassium levels are crucial for cardiac and muscle function but are not affected directly by warfarin use. Potassium monitoring is more critical with diuretics or certain cardiac medications, not anticoagulants like warfarin.

D. Prothrombin time: Prothrombin time (PT) measures how long it takes blood to clot and is directly affected by warfarin therapy. Monitoring PT (and the related INR) ensures that the warfarin dose maintains therapeutic anticoagulation without causing excessive bleeding.

• Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is administered to pregnant clients at risk of preterm delivery to promote fetal lung maturity. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks and signs of severe preeclampsia, administering corticosteroids is critical to prepare for potential early delivery.
• Monitor intake and output every hour: Severe preeclampsia can impair renal function, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. Hourly monitoring of intake and output helps detect early signs of renal compromise and fluid overload, both of which require immediate intervention.
• Assist RN with performing a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Vaginal examinations are avoided in cases of severe preeclampsia unless absolutely necessary because they can stimulate uterine contractions or introduce infection. Therefore, routinely assisting every 12 hours with vaginal exams is not appropriate in this client's plan of care.
• Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection assesses the degree of proteinuria and provides a clearer diagnostic picture of the severity of preeclampsia. Quantifying protein excretion helps guide clinical management and decisions about timing of delivery.
• Provide a low-stimulation environment: A calm, quiet environment minimizes the risk of seizure activity in clients with severe preeclampsia. Reducing auditory, visual, and environmental stimulation is a standard preventative measure to decrease neurological irritability.
• Give antihypertensive medication: Severe hypertension must be promptly treated to prevent complications like stroke, placental abruption, and progression to eclampsia. Administering antihypertensive therapy helps stabilize maternal blood pressure and protects both maternal and fetal health.
• Maintain bedrest: Bedrest helps reduce blood pressure and physical stress, promoting better perfusion to the placenta. Although strict bedrest is controversial long-term, short-term bedrest is often used in severe preeclampsia management while stabilization measures are implemented.