A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has hypoparathyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following values?

Choice A reason: Documenting the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help monitor the client’s GI function, fluid balance, and response to treatment. The normal color of nasogastric drainage is clear or yellow-green. Abnormal colors include red, brown, or black, which may indicate bleeding.

Choice B reason: Encouraging hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common after abdominal surgery. An incentive spirometer is a device that helps the client breathe deeply and expand the lungs.

Choice C reason: Irrigating the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hr is not an action that the nurse should include in the client’s plan of care. Routine irrigation of nasogastric tubes is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of infection, tube occlusion, or aspiration. Irrigation should only be done when indicated by specific orders or protocols, or when there is evidence of tube blockage.

Choice D reason: Performing leg exercises every 2 hr is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a serious complication that can occur after surgery due to immobility and hypercoagulability. Leg exercises can improve blood circulation and reduce stasis in the lower extremities.

Choice A: Place the client on his back. This is incorrect because the client should be placed in a sitting position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This allows the fluid to accumulate in the lower abdomen and reduces the risk of puncturing the diaphragm.

Choice B: Have the client increase fluid intake after the procedure. This is also incorrect because the client should restrict fluid intake after the procedure to prevent fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output, weight, and vital signs.

Choice C: Assure the client that the procedure is painless. This is not true because the client may experience some discomfort or pressure during the insertion of the needle or catheter. The nurse should administer analgesics as prescribed and provide emotional support.

Choice D: Instruct the client to empty his bladder. This is correct because this reduces the risk of bladder injury during the procedure. The nurse should also measure and record the amount of urine voided.