A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of cefazolin via intermittent IV infusion to a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

The client with epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities might be experiencing complications related to the epidural, such as epidural hematoma or nerve damage. However, the immediate concern is the client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea. Tachypnea can indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening respiratory status due to the fracture, both of which require urgent assessment and intervention.

Choice B rationale:

The client with diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.89% has a well-controlled blood glucose level. This condition does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea, who might be experiencing a life-threatening complication.

Choice C rationale:

The client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea is the priority for assessment. Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening lung function due to the fracture. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Choice D rationale:

The client with sinus arrhythmia and cardiac monitoring is stable and does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea.

Choice A rationale: Evaluating the fetal heart rate tracing is the most critical action in this scenario. The client is at 31 weeks of gestation and reports decreased fetal movement, which could indicate fetal distress. The nurse should first assess the fetal heart rate tracing to ensure the fetus is not in distress. Normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining a 24-hour urine collection is important for assessing proteinuria, a sign of preeclampsia, but it is not the most immediate concern. The nurse can initiate this after ensuring the fetus is not in distress.

Choice C rationale: Administering acetaminophen PO (by mouth) can help relieve the client’s headache, but it is not the most immediate concern. The nurse can administer this medication after ensuring the fetus is not in distress and initiating other prescribed treatments.

Choice D rationale: Administering magnesium sulfate IV (intravenously) can prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia. However, before administering this medication, the nurse should ensure that the fetus is not in distress.

Choice E rationale: Administering betamethasone IM (intramuscularly) can help accelerate fetal lung maturity in case of preterm labor. However, before administering this medication, the nurse should ensure that the fetus is not in distress.

Choice F rationale: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can help monitor urine output, which is important for clients receiving magnesium sulfate because oliguria can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. However, before inserting the catheter, the nurse should ensure that the fetus is not in distress.