A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Prior to administering the first dose, which of the following laboratory values should the nurse evaluate?

A. A gastric residual volume of 250 mL following 2 hours of infusion may indicate potential intolerance to the feeding, but it is not necessarily an immediate emergency unless it exceeds the facility’s threshold for residuals.
B. The client lying in a supine position poses a significant risk for aspiration, especially following a laryngectomy, where airway protection is compromised. Immediate intervention is necessary to reposition the client and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
C. While the infusion pump being off is concerning, it may not require immediate intervention as long as the nurse is aware and can address it promptly.
D. Not dating the enteral feeding bag and tubing is important for infection control; however, it does not require immediate intervention compared to the risk posed by a supine position.

A. Performing another internal exam is not the priority at this moment. The priority is assessing fetal well-being.

B. Notifying the client's provider may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority.

C. Checking the fetal heart rate (FHR) is the priority action to assess fetal well-being after the observed fluid gush, as it could indicate rupture of membranes and potentially fetal distress.

D. Obtaining a pH test of the fluid can be done later for confirmation of rupture of membranes but is not the immediate priority compared to assessing fetal well-being.