A nurse is caring for a client who has anemia. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse anticipate with the client's condition?

Choice A Reason:

The client reports being extremely thirsty with a sore throat - This could be due to the presence of the NG tube and suctioning, but it is not as immediately concerning as the change in drainage colour.

Choice B Reason:

The client's abdomen becomes distended and firm - While this could indicate a possible complication, it is not as directly related to the change in drainage colour.

Choice C Reason:

The drainage is bright green in colour with brown faecal material the finding that the drainage from the NG tube is bright green in colour with brown faecal material should be reported to the provider. This change in the colour and appearance of the drainage can be indicative of bilious (greenish-yellow) vomiting, which may suggest an obstruction or another underlying issue. It's important to assess the client's condition and inform the provider about any significant changes in their symptoms.

Choice D Reason:

The amount of drainage is gradually decreasing - Gradually decreasing drainage could be expected as the condition improves, but it's not as alarming as a change in the drainage colour.

Choice A reason:

Listening to the client's bowel sounds should not be implemented. While assessing bowel sounds is important, it is not the highest priority in this situation. The client's low serum potassium level indicates the potential for serious cardiac arrhythmias, so actions related to monitoring and addressing this electrolyte imbalance are more critical.

Choice B reason:

Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client is the correct answer. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Initiating cardiac monitoring is crucial to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that any potential abnormalities are identified promptly.

Choice C reason:

Check the client's hand grasps should not be implemented. Assessing the client's hand grasps can provide information about muscle strength, but it is not the immediate priority when the client has a critically low potassium level.

Choice D reason:

Administer an IV potassium drip should not be implemented. Administering IV potassium is important for correcting the potassium imbalance, but the priority is to assess and monitor the client's cardiac status first. Rapid administration of potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so it's important to ensure the heart's stability through cardiac monitoring before administering potassium.