A nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from an amputation of her right arm below the elbow. Which of the following information should the nurse report to the occupational therapist?

A. Provide the client with periods of alone time for reflection on their behavior: While reflection can be helpful, unsupervised alone time may increase the risk of relapse in clients with alcohol use disorder and does not actively promote self-control.

B. Discuss strategies with the client to reduce alcohol consumption gradually: Gradual reduction is not always safe due to the risk of withdrawal complications. Abstinence under supervision is the recommended approach for alcohol use disorder.

C. Have the client's partner assume responsibility for monitoring the client's alcohol intake: Delegating responsibility to a family member undermines the client’s autonomy and does not foster personal self-control or coping skills.

D. Give positive feedback to the client for using adaptive coping strategies: Reinforcing the use of healthy coping mechanisms encourages self-control, builds confidence, and promotes continued use of adaptive strategies to manage stress without relying on alcohol.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, indicating hypotension. This can signal volume depletion or active bleeding, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent shock or organ hypoperfusion.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL and hematocrit of 27% indicate significant anemia, likely from gastrointestinal blood loss. Immediate follow-up is necessary to determine the source and provide interventions such as fluid resuscitation or transfusion.
• Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 118/min, demonstrating tachycardia. This may be compensatory for hypotension or blood loss, suggesting hemodynamic instability and requiring prompt monitoring and intervention.
• Stool results: Positive hemoccult indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which aligns with anemia and tachycardia. Identifying and managing the bleeding source is a priority to prevent further complications.
• Current medication: The client takes high-dose ibuprofen (800 mg three times daily), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to the client’s current presentation and requiring immediate provider notification.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Temperature: The client’s temperature is 37.5° C (99.5° F), slightly elevated but not indicative of infection or immediate risk. Monitoring is appropriate but not urgent.
• WBC count: WBC is 6,700/mm³, within normal limits, indicating no current infection or acute inflammatory response. This does not require immediate follow-up.
• Respiratory rate: Respiratory rate is 18/min, within normal limits for an adult, and does not indicate acute respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is not necessary.