A nurse is planning care for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The client is receiving continuous bladder irrigation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. In fact, one would expect the opposite, hypotension, due to the decreased circulating blood volume. Hypertension might be present in the initial stages due to compensatory mechanisms, but as the condition progresses, blood pressure usually drops.

Choice B reason: Bradypnea
Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not a common finding in hypovolemic shock. Instead, tachypnea, or rapid breathing, may be observed as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.

Choice C reason: Oliguria
Oliguria, or low urine output, is an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. As the blood volume decreases, the kidneys receive less blood flow, leading to reduced urine production. This is a protective mechanism to conserve body fluids, but it also indicates the severity of fluid loss and the need for urgent intervention.

Choice D reason: Flushing of the skin
Flushing of the skin is not an expected finding in hypovolemic shock. Instead, the skin may appear pale, cool, and clammy due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the periphery as the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs.

Choice A: Monitor the client for hypoglycemia

When a nurse administers an incorrect insulin dose, the immediate concern is the risk of hypoglycemia, especially since the insulin dose given was for a higher blood glucose level than the actual reading. Hypoglycemia can occur when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Monitoring the client for hypoglycemia allows the nurse to detect and treat it promptly, ensuring the client’s safety.

Choice B: Complete an incident report

While completing an incident report is important for documenting the medication error and preventing future occurrences, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the client’s safety by addressing the potential hypoglycemia. Once the client’s condition is stable, the nurse can then complete the incident report.

Choice C: Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate

Administering 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrate is a treatment for hypoglycemia. However, this action should only be taken if the client is actually experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should first monitor the client’s blood glucose levels to confirm hypoglycemia before administering carbohydrates.

Choice D: Notify the nurse manager

Notifying the nurse manager is important for accountability and to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken. However, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first monitor the client for hypoglycemia and address any immediate health concerns before notifying the nurse manager.