After applying a gait belt, the nurse assists a client with ambulation. While in the hallway, the client begins to fall. Which action should the nurse implement?

• Palpate and compare radial pulses: Assessing radial pulses bilaterally is essential after humeral fracture and surgical repair because neurovascular compromise is a major complication. Detecting differences in pulse quality can help identify impaired circulation or compartment syndrome early.

• Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV: The client reports nausea postoperatively, which can increase discomfort and risk for aspiration. Ondansetron is prescribed and effective in controlling nausea by blocking serotonin receptors in the gut and brain, making it an appropriate intervention.

• Perform range of motion: With a displaced humeral head/neck fracture and immediate postoperative status, range-of-motion exercises are contraindicated. Movement of the joint could disrupt fixation, increase bleeding, or worsen pain. Immobilization and stabilization are priorities.

• Provide morphine 2 mg IV push (IVP): The client currently reports a pain level of 0/10 due to the preoperative nerve block. The order is PRN for pain > 7. Administering it now would be inappropriate and increase the risk of respiratory depression.

• Inspect the bandage for drainage: Checking the surgical bandage is necessary to monitor for bleeding or excessive drainage, which may indicate complications such as hemorrhage or infection. Since the order specifies not to remove the dressing, visual inspection only is the correct approach.

• Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: Capillary refill helps evaluate peripheral perfusion, which is critical after orthopedic surgery. Comparing both extremities provides baseline data and helps detect vascular compromise that could threaten limb viability.

A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position: While this position may increase venous return, it does not address the underlying cause in a pregnant client, which is usually aortocaval compression by the uterus. Simply tilting the table may be less effective than proper lateral displacement.

B. Remove the client's legs from the stirrups: Removing the legs may relieve some discomfort but does not correct the maternal hypotension caused by pressure on the inferior vena cava. Additional interventions are needed to improve circulation.

C. Instruct the client to take deep breaths: Deep breathing may help with anxiety or mild shortness of breath but does not resolve the hemodynamic compromise caused by supine hypotensive syndrome.

D. Place a wedge under the client's hip: Placing a wedge under the right or left hip tilts the uterus off the inferior vena cava, improving venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure. This is the priority action to relieve dizziness, pallor, and diaphoresis in a pregnant client at 26 weeks’ gestation.