A nurse is caring for a client who has esophageal varices and is hypotensive after vomiting 500 mL of blood. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the results are not within the expected reference range. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because evaluating urine for amount and for specific gravity can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function. These actions can help assess the client's hydration status and renal function, which may be affected by nausea and vomiting. The client's BUN, creatinine, and hematocrit are elevated, indicating dehydration or reduced renal perfusion. The normal ranges for BUN are 7 to 20 mg/dL, for creatinine are

0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, and for hematocrit are 38% to 50% for males. The nurse should monitor the urine output and specific gravity, which reflect the concentration and volume of urine. The normal range for urine output is 30 to 60 mL/hour, and for specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is not indicated for this client. This action is used to diagnose urinary tract infections, which are not suggested by the client's symptoms or results.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because decreasing the IV fluid infusion rate and limiting oral fluid intake can worsen the client's dehydration and renal perfusion. The nurse should maintain adequate fluid intake and balance to prevent further complications.

The correct answer is: d. Brachial pulse in the right arm.

Choice A reason: Palpating the radial pulse in the right arm is not the most appropriate choice following a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. While it is contralateral to the insertion site, the brachial pulse is preferred over the radial pulse for assessing circulation in the arm, as it is more proximal and can provide a better indication of arterial flow from the catheterization site.

Choice B reason: Palpating the radial pulse in the left arm, which is ipsilateral to the insertion site, is not recommended. This is because the radial pulse may be diminished or absent due to arterial occlusion or spasm caused by the catheterization procedure.

Choice C reason: Palpating the brachial pulse in the left arm is also not recommended. Since the catheterization was performed on the left side, there is a risk of arterial occlusion or spasm, which could affect the accuracy of the pulse assessment in the left arm.

Choice D reason: Palpating the brachial pulse in the right arm is the correct action. It is contralateral to the insertion site and unaffected by the procedure, providing a reliable assessment of the client’s circulatory status post-cardiac catheterization.