A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving hydromorphone for pain management. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

• Temperature 35.3°C (95.5°F): Hypothermia following surgery is concerning because it may reflect poor perfusion, internal bleeding, or shock. Immediate warming measures and evaluation are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
• Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure is lower than previous values and indicates potential hypovolemia or ongoing blood loss. Hypotension post-surgery must be urgently addressed to avoid progression to shock.
• Skin cool and moist to touch: Cool, moist skin is an early clinical sign of decreased tissue perfusion and shock. When found alongside hypotension and hypothermia, it suggests that circulatory compromise may already be developing.
• Moderate amount of sanguineous drainage noted on lower dressing: Moderate bleeding post-laparoscopic surgery is abnormal. This finding, in combination with hypotension and other signs of poor perfusion, strongly suggests possible internal bleeding requiring urgent provider notification.
• Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and reduced gut motility. They are not an immediate sign of a critical complication unless accompanied by abdominal distension or severe pain, they should however be monitored.
• Heart rate 60/min: A heart rate of 60/min is at the lower limit of normal. Although 60/min is still technically within normal range, the trend of decreasing heart rate from baseline 90 beats/min, especially in the setting of hypotension and signs of poor perfusion, is concerning. This decline may indicate worsening hemodynamic status and must be monitored closely for further deterioration..
• Pedal pulse +1 bilateral: Diminished pedal pulses (+1) indicate reduced peripheral circulation. In isolation, it may not be critical, but when combined with hypotension and cool skin, it becomes part of the overall picture suggesting decreased perfusion and should be monitored carefully.

A. Be honest with the client about their prognosis: Honesty is essential for building trust but does not alone promote autonomy. Autonomy specifically involves allowing the client to make informed decisions about their own care based on truthful information.

B. Include the client's input when setting treatment goals: Including the client’s input directly supports their autonomy by allowing them to actively participate in decisions about their care, treatments, and end-of-life goals, ensuring their personal values and wishes are respected.

C. Keep an agreement made with the client to administer an antiemetic medication: Honoring agreements builds trust and supports ethical practice but focuses more on fidelity than directly on promoting autonomy, which centers on the client’s decision-making role.

D. Administer pain medication to the client on a routine schedule: Providing pain management is important for comfort but does not by itself promote autonomy unless it involves client participation in deciding how and when the medication is administered.