A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent suction and has vomited.

Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Answer is… C and F indicate improvement.

A The client has gained 1.8 kg (4 lb). BMI is 18.9. This is not an improvement because the client’s BMI is still below the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9 The client may have malnutrition or other health problems that affect their weight.

B The clients adult child prepares two meals per day for the client. This is not an improvement because it shows that the client still depends on others for their basic needs and may have difficulty with self-care.

C The clients clothing is clean and appropriate for the weather. This is an improvement because it shows that the client has good hygiene and can dress themselves appropriately.

D The client receives three baths per week from a home care aide. This is not an improvement because it shows that the client still needs assistance with bathing and may have limited mobility or pain.

E The client reports frequent toothaches and lack of dental care. This is not an improvement because it shows that the client has poor oral health and may have infections or other complications.

F The client makes eye contact and smiles when speaking. This is an improvement because it shows that the client has positive mood and social interaction.

: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/distal-radius-fracture- wrist-fracture : https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm.

safety followed by the client’s pain.

The nurse should first address the client’s safety because it is the most basic and essential need according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The client may be at risk of abuse or neglect from his adult child, as evidenced by the bruises, body odor, unclean clothes, low BMI, and submissive behavior. The nurse should assess the client for signs of physical or emotional abuse and report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities. The nurse should also provide a safe and supportive environment for the client and encourage him to express his feelings and concerns.

The nurse should then address the client’s pain because it is a physiological need that affects the client’s comfort and well-being. The client rates his pain as 8 on a 0 to 10 scale and is not moving his right arm. The nurse should assess the client’s arm for signs of injury, such as swelling, deformity, or bleeding. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the client’s response to pain relief. The nurse should also provide non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice packs, elevation, or distraction.

The other choices are less urgent than safety and pain. The client’s abrasions are superficial and do not pose a significant risk of infection or bleeding. The client’s hygiene is important but not a priority at this time. The client’s BMI indicates that he is underweight, but this is a chronic condition that requires long-term nutritional intervention. The client’s heart rate is slightly elevated but not alarming, and may be due to pain, anxiety, or dehydration.