A PACU nurse is monitoring the drainage from a client's NG tube following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings in the first postoperative hour should the nurse report to the provider?

Obtain client weight twice daily

Anticipated: This intervention is anticipated. Monitoring the client's weight is crucial when they are receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) to assess for fluid status, nutritional adequacy, and response to therapy. It helps in adjusting TPN rates and managing fluid balance.

Have 3 nurses verify the TPN solution prescription

Anticipated: Verifying TPN solution prescription by multiple nurses is a critical safety measure to prevent errors in TPN administration, which can have serious consequences. This ensures that the TPN solution matches the prescribed order in terms of content, concentration, and rate.

Request a prescription for insulin

Anticipated: Given the client's hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose of 140 mg/dL) and potential exacerbation by TPN administration (which can be rich in glucose), requesting insulin is appropriate. Insulin helps manage blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia, especially important in clients with diabetes or those on TPN.

Request an antibiotic to be administered

Anticipated: The client presents with signs of infection (fever, productive cough, yellow sputum) and crackles auscultated in the lungs, indicating a possible respiratory infection. Requesting antibiotics is essential to treat the infection promptly and prevent further complications.

Decrease the client's oxygen to 1.5 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula

Nonessential: The client is currently receiving 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula with an oxygen saturation of 90%. Decreasing the oxygen flow may compromise oxygenation further, especially given the crackles and productive cough. It is more appropriate to maintain or potentially increase oxygen support based on the client's oxygen saturation.

Notify provider to increase TPN rate/hr

Contraindicated: The client has diarrhea (3 episodes in the past 4 hours) and an abdominal distension, which may indicate gastrointestinal intolerance to TPN. Increasing the TPN rate could exacerbate diarrhea and worsen fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to address the underlying cause of diarrhea and abdominal symptoms before considering any increase in TPN rate.

A This response addresses a potential cause of exercise-induced hypoglycemia. Clients with type 1 diabetes often need to adjust their insulin dose or carbohydrate intake before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia. Asking about insulin adjustment is relevant to assess whether the client took appropriate precautions.

B. While exercise can cause fatigue, feeling diaphoretic, having palpitations, and extreme exhaustion are not normal responses after exercise, especially for someone with type 1 diabetes. This response does not address the potential cause of the symptoms.

C. This response addresses the importance of carbohydrate intake post-exercise to prevent or treat hypoglycemia. It encourages the client to reflect on their dietary choices following exercise, which can impact blood glucose levels.

D. While establishing a routine for exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes, this response does not address the immediate concern of hypoglycemia or provide guidance on managing the client's current symptoms.