A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. 150 mL of greenish yellow NG drainage: This amount and color of drainage are expected after abdominal surgery, as bile-stained gastric contents can be present. It does not indicate a complication that requires provider notification.

B. Client requests medication for nausea: Nausea is a common postoperative symptom, often managed with antiemetics. While it should be addressed, it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate provider notification.

C. Urinary output of 250 mL over past 12 hr: Oliguria, defined as urine output less than 30 mL/hr (or less than 400 mL in 24 hr), suggests inadequate renal perfusion, possibly due to hypovolemia or acute kidney injury. This finding requires prompt provider notification.

D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Reduced bowel activity is common after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and opioid use. While monitoring is necessary, hypoactive sounds alone are not an urgent concern unless accompanied by other signs of ileus or obstruction.

• Hematocrit: The client's hematocrit level of 24% is significantly low (normal range: 37% to 47%), indicating anemia. This requires follow-up to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, such as iron supplementation or further investigation.
• Oxygen saturation: An oxygen saturation level of 94% is slightly low, especially considering the client's reported shortness of breath. Monitoring is necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation and to assess if supplemental oxygen or further respiratory evaluation is needed.
• Activity level: The client reports generalized weakness and increased fatigue, particularly becoming short of breath after minimal exertion (e.g., climbing stairs). This decreased activity level is concerning and may indicate cardiovascular or hematological issues, requiring further assessment and follow-up.
• Blood pressure: The blood pressure readings indicate orthostatic hypotension, with a drop from 118/60 mm Hg sitting to 102/50 mm Hg standing. This significant drop suggests potential volume depletion or anemia, which requires follow-up to assess fluid status and ensure safety during ambulation.
• Vitamin B12 level: The Vitamin B12 level of 159 pg/mL is slightly below the normal range (160 to 950 pg/mL), indicating potential deficiency. This can lead to anemia and neurological issues. Follow-up is needed to evaluate dietary intake and consider supplementation.

• Temperature: The client's temperature of 37° C (98.6° F) is within normal limits and does not indicate a need for follow-up. Monitoring for signs of infection or inflammation is important, but this finding is stable.
• Breath sounds: The assessment shows clear and present bilateral breath sounds, which indicate no respiratory distress or abnormalities. This finding does not require follow-up.
• Pain level: The client reports no pain or discomfort, which is a positive finding and does not necessitate further follow-up. Ongoing assessment for pain should continue, but current findings are stable.