A nurse is performing postmortem care for a client who was a devout Muslim. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Recording the urinary output at the end of each shift is appropriate action. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine production. Monitoring urinary output is important to assess the effectiveness of the medication and to ensure that the client is not at risk for dehydration or fluid overload. Recording urinary output at the end of each shift provides a comprehensive overview of the client's renal function and fluid balance.

Choice B Reason:

Checking the urine for ketones every 12 hr is inappropriate action. Checking urine for ketones is not a routine assessment for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter and a prescription for furosemide.

Choice C Reason:

Collecting a 24-hr urine specimen to send to the laboratory is inappropriate. Collecting a 24-hour urine specimen is a more extensive test and is not typically needed for routine monitoring of a client on furosemide.

Choice D Reason:

Measuring the specific gravity of the urine during each shift is incorrect. While monitoring specific gravity can provide information about the concentration of urine, it is not usually required for routine monitoring in this specific situation. Monitoring urinary output is a more practical and clinically relevant approach.

Choice Reason:
Occupational Therapist is incorrect. Occupational therapists focus on helping individuals regain or enhance their ability to perform daily activities and tasks. While they might not directly address dysphagia or swallowing concerns, they could assist in modifying the environment or providing adaptive equipment to facilitate eating, such as recommending specialized utensils or adapting seating positions to support safe eating practices.

Choice B Reason:
Physical Therapist is incorrect. Physical therapists primarily concentrate on restoring mobility, strength, and function in individuals who have experienced injuries or illnesses affecting movement. While they might not directly address dysphagia, they could be involved in helping patients with postural adjustments or exercises that indirectly support safe eating and swallowing.

Choice C Reason:
Respiratory Therapist is incorrect. Respiratory therapists specialize in assessing and treating breathing problems and disorders related to the lungs and respiratory system. While they may not focus directly on dysphagia, they can be involved in managing respiratory complications that can arise from aspiration, such as pneumonia. They might assist in suctioning, breathing exercises, or respiratory treatments in cases where aspiration has led to lung issues.

Choice D Reason:
Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, is correct because it specializes in evaluating and treating communication and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals who have experienced strokes or other conditions affecting swallowing abilities to improve their swallowing function and reduce the risk of aspiration (when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the digestive tract).