A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving IV fluid replacement to treat diarrhea but now has oliguria. Laboratory results include a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider immediately?

Choice A Reason:

Administering sedative medication should not be the first action. It is important to assess the client's level of comfort and understand the reason for pulling on the NG tube before considering sedation. Sedation may mask underlying issues, and the goal is to address the cause of the behavior.

Choice B Reason:

Assessing the client's level of comfort is the priority. Understanding the reason for pulling on the NG tube is crucial before implementing interventions. The client may be experiencing pain, discomfort, anxiety, or another issue that needs to be addressed.

Choice C Reason:

Applying a restraint should be a last resort and is not the initial action. Restraints are used to ensure safety when other measures have failed. The priority is to address the underlying cause and promote comfort without resorting to restraint.

Choice D Reason:

Documenting the client's behavior is important for the medical record, but it comes after assessing and addressing the immediate needs of the client. Understanding the context and reasons for the behavior is crucial for accurate documentation.

Choice A Reason:

Lowering the side rail on the side of the bed where the AP will stand to perform mouth care is a safety measure. It provides better access to the client and allows the AP to perform the task more comfortably and effectively. This action helps prevent the AP from leaning over an elevated side rail, reducing the risk of injury to themselves or the client.

Choice B Reason:

Wearing clean gloves to perform mouth care for the client is a safety measure. Wearing gloves is crucial to maintain hygiene and prevent the transmission of microorganisms during mouth care.

Choice C Reason:

Using an oral care sponge swab moistened with cool water to clean the client's mouth is a safety measure. Using a moistened oral care sponge swab is a suitable method for providing mouth care to an unconscious client, helping to keep the mouth clean and moist.

Choice D Reason:

Using two gloved fingers to open the client's mouth for cleaning is NOT a safety measure. In this situation, using fingers to open the client's mouth poses a risk of injury or discomfort to the client. It's important to handle an unconscious patient's mouth with care and avoid using fingers to open the mouth forcibly.