A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure injury on the coccyx. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the wound is a stage III pressure injury?

A. Insert a peripheral catheter to deliver intravenous fluids: Routine IV fluid administration is not a standard intervention in hospice care unless specifically indicated for symptom management. The focus in hospice is on comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive interventions, so placing an IV line for routine hydration is generally avoided.

B. Obtain a prescription for parenteral nutrition: Parenteral nutrition is typically not initiated in hospice care because it does not improve comfort or quality of life and may cause discomfort or complications. Hospice care prioritizes symptom management, pain relief, and emotional support rather than aggressive nutritional interventions.

C. Offer the client massage therapy: Massage therapy is an appropriate intervention in hospice care as it promotes comfort, reduces pain, alleviates anxiety, and supports emotional well-being. Complementary therapies like massage are aligned with hospice goals of enhancing quality of life and providing holistic care for clients nearing the end of life.

D. Initiate a referral for physical therapy: Physical therapy in hospice is generally limited and focused only on maintaining comfort and safe mobility rather than improving function or strength. While referrals can be made if needed, massage therapy is a more direct intervention to address comfort and symptom management at this stage of care.

A. Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. It does not need to be withheld for a mildly elevated potassium level; in fact, it may help lower potassium levels in hyperkalemia.

B. Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase serum potassium. With a level of 5.2 mEq/L, administering spironolactone could worsen hyperkalemia and increase the risk of cardiac complications, so the dose should be withheld and the provider notified.

C. Metoprolol: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, does not typically raise potassium levels significantly. While beta-blockers can slightly affect potassium, withholding is not indicated solely based on a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.

D. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering agent, has no effect on serum potassium levels and does not need to be withheld in this situation. It can be continued safely.