A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 4 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. The client's blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A: This is incorrect. The client having difficulty reading large print indicates a need for an ophthalmology referral, not an occupational therapy referral. An ophthalmologist can assess and treat vision problems caused by stroke.

Choice B: This is incorrect. The client coughing while drinking from a straw indicates a need for a speech therapy referral, not an occupational therapy referral. A speech therapist can assess and treat swallowing problems caused by stroke.

Choice C: This is incorrect. The client being unable to bear her full weight while walking indicates a need for a physical therapy referral, not an occupational therapy referral. A physical therapist can assess and treat mobility problems caused by stroke.

Choice D: This is correct. The client becoming exhausted after performing activities of daily living indicates a need for an occupational therapy referral. An occupational therapist can assess and treat functional problems caused by stroke, such as fatigue, self-care, cognition, and leisure activities.

Choice A: This is incorrect because applying petroleum jelly to the client's nares can interfere with oxygen delivery and cause skin breakdown. The nurse should use water-soluble lubricant or saline spray to moisten the nares and prevent dryness from oxygen therapy.

Choice B: This is correct because initiating fall precautions can prevent injury and complications for the client who has aspirated pneumonia and hypoxia. The client may have altered mental status, weakness, or dizziness due to hypoxia, infection, or medications. The nurse should use bed alarms, side rails, and assistive devices as needed.

Choice C: This is incorrect because maintaining the client in a supine position can worsen hypoxia and pneumonia by decreasing lung expansion and increasing secretions. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed at least 30 degrees and encourage frequent position changes to improve ventilation and drainage.

Choice D: This is incorrect because implementing contact precautions is not indicated for the client who has aspirated pneumonia and hypoxia. Aspirated pneumonia is caused by inhalation of foreign material into the lungs, not by transmission of microorganisms from person to person. The nurse should use standard precautions and droplet precautions if the client has a cough or sputum production.