A nurse is checking laboratory results for a client. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates hypervolemia?

A. Inform the client of available community resources is an important action because the client will likely need additional support, such as hospice care, counseling, or child care services. However, before providing resources, the nurse must assess the client’s understanding of their diagnosis to ensure any interventions are tailored to their current needs and readiness.

B. Assist the client in finding child care options - While important, addressing community resources takes precedence as it may encompass finding child care options as well.

C. Agree upon short-term goals for the client - Establishing goals is important but may come after addressing immediate needs.

D. Ask the client about their understanding of the diagnosis is the priority action. Before any other interventions, the nurse must assess the client’s knowledge and perception of their condition. This foundational step allows the nurse to provide appropriate education, clarify any misconceptions, and ensure that all care planning aligns with the client’s needs, values, and readiness to engage in discussions about their care.

A. Dependent edema can occur with pericarditis but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication.
B. A pericardial friction rub is a common finding in pericarditis and helps confirm the diagnosis but is not the priority.
C. A paradoxical pulse (an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration) is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis, and requires immediate intervention.
D. Substernal chest pain is expected with pericarditis and is usually relieved by sitting up and leaning forward, but it is not the most urgent concern.