An elderly patient is admitted with an acute onset of diverticulitis, and intravenous antibiotic therapy is started. What should the nurse do next?

Choice A rationale
While a white blood cell count can indicate an infection or inflammation in the body, it’s not the most relevant laboratory result to review when a client presents with petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are more commonly associated with platelet disorders or coagulation issues.
Choice B rationale
A platelet count is the most relevant laboratory result to review for a client with petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are often caused by low platelet counts, which can lead to bleeding and bruising. Therefore, reviewing the platelet count can provide valuable information about the client’s condition.
Choice C rationale
A red blood cell count can provide information about the client’s overall health and can indicate conditions like anemia. However, it’s not directly related to the presence of petechiae and ecchymosis.
Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin levels can indicate conditions like anemia, but they’re not directly related to the presence of petechiae and ecchymosis. These symptoms are more commonly associated with platelet disorders or coagulation issues.

Choice A rationale
Maintaining the prescribed fluid restriction is crucial in the management of SIADH. Fluid restriction helps to prevent further dilution of sodium in the blood, which can exacerbate the symptoms of SIADH34.
Choice B rationale
Withholding the next scheduled dose of treatment is not necessarily the appropriate intervention based on the increase in serum sodium level. The treatment plan should be adjusted based on the patient’s overall clinical picture and in consultation with the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Increasing neurologic checks to every 2 hours is not directly related to the increase in serum sodium level. While neurologic checks are important in monitoring the overall health status of the patient, they are not specifically indicated based on the serum sodium level alone.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for increasing fluid volume overload is not the appropriate intervention based on the increase in serum sodium level. SIADH is characterized by water retention, not fluid volume overload.