After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

A 3 lb weight gain in a short period, especially overnight, is indicative of fluid overload in a client with end-stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is performed to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. If the client is experiencing fluid overload, it means that their body is retaining more fluid than it should, and this can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems. The nurse should identify this finding as an indication of potential fluid overload and report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

Among the given options, the assessment data that indicate the need for immediate action by the nurse is a blood pressure of 103/54 mm Hg. This blood pressure reading indicates hypotension, which can be concerning for a post-angioplasty patient.

Angioplasty with stent placement is an invasive procedure, and patients may experience fluctuations in blood pressure during the immediate post-operative period. Hypotension after angioplasty can be a sign of inadequate cardiac output, which may be due to issues like bleeding, fluid loss, or heart dysfunction. Inadequate blood pressure can lead to decreased perfusion to vital organs, including the heart itself, and can be life-threatening.

Options A, B, and D are also important to address:

A) Heart rate 102 beats/min: A heart rate of 102 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, which can be expected after a procedure like angioplasty. However, it is not as urgent of a concern as hypotension, and it may be a normal compensatory response to the body's stress.

B) Report of chest pain: Chest pain after angioplasty can be common, but it should be evaluated further to ensure it is not indicative of complications such as coronary artery spasms, clot formation, or restenosis of the treated artery. While this is an important issue to address, it does not take precedence over hypotension.

D) Pedal pulses 1+ bilaterally: This finding suggests that the peripheral pulses in the feet are weak, and it could be related to the patient's medical condition, medications, or positioning. While it requires attention, it is not an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypotension.

Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing and addressing the low blood pressure to prevent further complications and ensure the patient's stability. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider and implement appropriate interventions, such as administering intravenous fluids, to increase blood pressure to a safe level.