A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and has just administered the preoperative injection.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

 

 

 

A. Provide the client with a walker: While a walker may be used during ambulation, ensuring the client's physiological readiness for ambulation takes precedence.

B. Premedicate the client with the prescribed analgesic: While pain management is important for comfort during ambulation, premedication may not be necessary for all clients and should be based on individual assessment.

C. Obtain the client's vital signs and oximetry prior to ambulation: This intervention allows the nurse to assess the client's physiological status and ensure stability before initiating ambulation, reducing the risk of complications.

D. Reinforce the client's surgical dressing: While maintaining the integrity of the surgical

incision is important, reinforcing the dressing alone does not ensure the client's readiness for ambulation.

A. Inform the client of available community resources is an important action because the client will likely need additional support, such as hospice care, counseling, or child care services. However, before providing resources, the nurse must assess the client’s understanding of their diagnosis to ensure any interventions are tailored to their current needs and readiness.

B. Assist the client in finding child care options - While important, addressing community resources takes precedence as it may encompass finding child care options as well.

C. Agree upon short-term goals for the client - Establishing goals is important but may come after addressing immediate needs.

D. Ask the client about their understanding of the diagnosis is the priority action. Before any other interventions, the nurse must assess the client’s knowledge and perception of their condition. This foundational step allows the nurse to provide appropriate education, clarify any misconceptions, and ensure that all care planning aligns with the client’s needs, values, and readiness to engage in discussions about their care.