A nurse is caring for a client who has recently died. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Hyperactive bowel sounds are bowel sounds that are louder and more frequent than normal. They may be heard as high-pitched rushing or tinkling sounds that occur irregularly at a rate greater than 5-6 sounds per minute. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or early bowel obstruction.

Option b is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with a paralytic ileus, which is a condition where the bowel stops working and there is a lack of bowel sounds.

Option c is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased motility, not decreased motility.

Option d is incorrect because soft bowel sounds at a rate of 1/min are considered hypoactive bowel sounds, which can be a sign of decreased intestinal motility, as seen in constipation or postoperative ileus.

The client is experiencing palpitations and a sense of impending doom, which may indicate a heightened state of anxiety or a panic attack. Minimizing environmental stimuli can help create a calming and safe environment for the client. By reducing noise, bright lights, and other potentially distressing stimuli, the nurse can create a more soothing atmosphere that may help alleviate the client's anxiety.

While exploring behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past and explaining to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations are important actions, they may not provide immediate relief or address the client's immediate distress.

Administering an anti-anxiety medication may be considered if the client's symptoms persist or worsen, but it is not the first action to be taken. The nurse should prioritize non-pharmacological interventions and create a supportive environment before considering medication administration.