A nurse is caring for a postoperative client on the surgical unit. The client’s blood pressure was 142/76 mm Hg, 30 minutes ago, and now is 88/50 mm Hg. What action would the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:
Elevate the head of the bed to 35-45 degrees unless contraindicated:
Promotes venous return: Elevating the head of the bed reduces venous pooling in the lower extremities and promotes venous return to the heart. This helps to improve cardiac output and reduce the risk of fluid overload.
Reduces aspiration risk: Elevating the head of the bed also helps to prevent aspiration, as it keeps the head and neck in a more upright position. This allows for better drainage of secretions and reduces the chance of them entering the lungs.
Contraindications: There are a few contraindications to elevating the head of the bed, such as severe hypotension, head injury, or spinal injury. In these cases, the potential benefits of elevation must be weighed against the risks.
Choice B rationale:
Assess Vital Signs:
Baseline assessment: It's crucial to obtain baseline vital signs before administering any IV fluid to have a reference point for comparison. This allows for early detection of any changes that may indicate fluid overload or other complications.
Monitoring fluid status: Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide important information about the patient's fluid status and hemodynamic stability. Changes in vital signs can signal fluid overload, dehydration, or other problems that may require intervention.
Detecting adverse reactions: Vital signs can also help to detect adverse reactions to the IV fluid, such as allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Early identification of these reactions is essential for prompt treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Assess lung and heart sounds:
Baseline assessment: Assessing lung and heart sounds before IV fluid administration provides a baseline for comparison and helps to identify any preexisting conditions that may affect fluid tolerance.
Detecting fluid overload: Crackles in the lungs, increased heart rate, and extra heart sounds can indicate fluid overload, which can lead to pulmonary edema and heart failure.
Monitoring response to therapy: Lung and heart sounds can also be used to monitor the patient's response to IV fluid therapy. Improvement in lung sounds and heart rate can indicate a positive response to treatment.
Choice E rationale:
Obtain baseline weight:
Accurate fluid balance: Obtaining a baseline weight is essential for accurate assessment of fluid balance. It allows for tracking of fluid gains and losses and helps to prevent fluid overload or dehydration.
Monitoring fluid status: Changes in weight can reflect changes in fluid status. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, while weight loss can suggest dehydration.

Choice A rationale:
While PICCs are typically intended for shorter-term use (up to 12 weeks), the fact that a PICC has been in place for 4 weeks is not, in itself, an immediate cause for concern. Regular assessment of the catheter and site is crucial, but the duration of placement alone does not warrant immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
While it's generally recommended to change PICC dressings every 7 days, a dressing that is 3 days old is not an immediate emergency. The nurse should prioritize changing the dressing as soon as possible, but it does not require the same level of urgency as other potential complications.
Choice C rationale:
A missing securement device is a concern because it can increase the risk of catheter dislodgement or migration. However, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the patient's well-being. The nurse should promptly address the missing securement device, but it would not be the most pressing issue compared to swelling in the extremity.
Choice D rationale:
Swelling in the upper extremity where the PICC is located is a significant finding that demands immediate attention. It can be a sign of several serious complications, including:
Thrombosis: A blood clot within the vein, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to pain, swelling, and potentially more severe consequences like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
Infection: Inflammation and infection at the insertion site or within the bloodstream, which can cause swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. If left untreated, infection can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling along the vein.
Infiltration: Leakage of fluids or medications into the surrounding tissue, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Prompt action is crucial in these cases to prevent further complications and ensure patient safety. The nurse should immediately notify the appropriate healthcare provider, initiate necessary interventions, and closely monitor the patient's condition.