A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose and has advance directives that indicate the client does not want life-sustaining measures. The client's family wants the client to have life-sustaining measures. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Weak femoral pulses. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta, which leads to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, resulting in weak or absent femoral pulses—a hallmark finding of this condition.
B. Increased intracranial pressure. This is not directly associated with coarctation of the aorta. While severe hypertension can lead to neurologic symptoms, increased ICP is not a typical or early finding.
C. Upper extremity hypotension. The condition causes hypertension in the upper extremities and hypotension in the lower extremities due to the location of the narrowing. Upper extremity hypotension would be an unexpected finding.
D. Frequent nosebleeds. While nosebleeds may occur in older children or adults with uncontrolled hypertension, they are not an expected finding in infants with coarctation of the aorta.

A. Respiratory rate 10/min. This is the priority finding because it suggests respiratory depression, a serious side effect of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium acts as a CNS depressant, and a respiratory rate below 12/min is a potential sign of magnesium toxicity, which can lead to respiratory arrest if not promptly addressed.
B. 2+ deep-tendon reflexes. This indicates normal neuromuscular function and is actually a reassuring finding in a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Reflexes are typically monitored to detect early signs of toxicity, and a 2+ rating means the dose is likely therapeutic.
C. 3+ pedal edema. While significant, pedal edema is a common feature of preeclampsia and not directly related to magnesium sulfate toxicity. It should be monitored but does not require immediate action compared to respiratory compromise.
D. Urinary output 35 mL/hr. This is slightly above the minimum acceptable output of 30 mL/hr, indicating the kidneys are excreting adequately. While magnesium is excreted renally and output must be monitored, this value does not indicate an acute risk.