A nurse is providing teaching to a client about an upcoming hysterosalpingography. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle: Clients with pericarditis typically experience relief when sitting up and leaning forward, as this reduces pressure on the inflamed pericardium. A 15° elevation is too low to provide significant relief.

B. Check the client for jugular venous flattening: Pericarditis, especially when complicated by cardiac tamponade, leads to jugular venous distension rather than flattening due to impaired venous return to the heart.

C. Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client: Anticoagulants are not routinely used in pericarditis because they may increase the risk of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, particularly if pericarditis is due to an inflammatory or infectious cause.

D. Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure: Pulsus paradoxus, a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, is a key sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. Monitoring for this helps in early detection and management.

A. Client report of pain at the incision site: Pain is expected after a thyroidectomy and can be managed with analgesics. While discomfort can affect recovery, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication.

B. High-pitched sound on inspiration: Stridor suggests airway obstruction due to laryngeal edema or tracheal compression, which can rapidly progress to respiratory distress. Immediate intervention, such as airway support or emergency intubation, is required to prevent asphyxiation.

C. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Decreased bowel sounds are common postoperatively due to anesthesia and immobility. This should be monitored for potential ileus but does not pose an immediate danger.

D. Loose tracheal secretions: Excess secretions may require suctioning, but they do not indicate a critical airway compromise like stridor does. Maintaining a clear airway is essential, but this finding alone is not an emergency.