A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy.

Vital Signs 1800:

Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 104/min

Respiratory rate 22/min

Blood pressure 142/80 mm Hg O2 saturation 97% on room air 1800:

Client alert and oriented x 4

Skin warm and dry

Lungs clear on auscultation

Bowel sounds hypoactive in all four quadrants Urine clear yellow

Incisional dressing clean and dry

Client reports pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10

1815:

Morphine administered as prescribed

2000:

Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 24/min

Blood pressure 158/88 mm Hg O2 saturation 93% on room air.

Which of the following 4 client findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Electrolyte imbalance in pregnant clients is often associated with conditions that lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. In this scenario, the key indicators are persistent nausea and significant weight loss.

• Persistent nausea can lead to reduced food and fluid intake. This condition, especially if prolonged, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients that are not being replenished due to inadequate dietary intake.
• Significant weight loss, particularly the amount described in the scenario (6.8 kg or 15 lb), is a clear sign of inadequate nutritional intake and can further exacerbate the risk of electrolyte imbalance. It indicates that the body is not receiving enough nutrients, which is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance.

The other options, while related to diet and fluid intake, are more specific to the client's eating habits and do not directly point to the primary cause of potential electrolyte imbalance in the context of this scenario. Therefore, the most comprehensive and medically relevant choice is (A) Persistent nausea and significant weight loss.

A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.

B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.

C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.

D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.