An older client is admitted to the intensive care unit unconscious after several days of vomiting and diarrhea.

Vital Signs

Heart Rate-beats/minute- 110 Respirations - breathes/minute- 28 Blood Pressure – mmHG- 80/60

Arterial blood gases (ABGs)

Ph- 7.34

PaCO2- 34 mmHg

HCO3- 20 mmol/L

pO2- 90 mmHg

Electrolytes Results

Sodium

130 mEq/L(mmol/L) Potassium

2.5 mEq/L (mmol/L) Chloride

95 mEq/L (mmol/L)

Reference Range:

Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)]

Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]

Chloride [98 to 106 mEq/L (98 to 106 mmol/L)]

PaCO2 [35 to 45 mm Hg]

HCO, [21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg)

The nurse inserts a urinary catheter and obtains a scant amount of dark amber output. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? (Please scroll and view each tab's information in the client's medical record before selecting the answer.)

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Ice application induces vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling but does not evert inverted nipples. This action does not address the primary issue of nipple inversion preventing adequate latch.

Choice B rationale: Breast pump use creates negative pressure, drawing out the nipple. This eversion facilitates latching by providing a more prominent nipple for the infant's oral cavity to grasp effectively.

Choice C rationale: Supplemental formula feedings provide nutrition, but do not resolve the latching difficulty caused by inverted nipples. This can interfere with the establishment of the mother's milk supply.

Choice D rationale: Breast shields can aid latching, but they are most effective when used in conjunction with nipple eversion techniques. They do not directly address the underlying problem of inverted nipples.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can have significant impacts on the client's fluid and electrolyte balance. Mannitol, a diuretic, is commonly used to promote diuresis and increase urine

output in cases of AKI. However, it is essential to assess the client's hemodynamic status and overall condition before administering mannitol.

Obtaining vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) helps evaluate the client's baseline status and monitor for any changes that may occur after administering mannitol. It is particularly important to assess blood pressure as mannitol can potentially cause hypotension as a side effect.

Assessing breath sounds is also crucial because pulmonary edema can occur as a complication of AKI. Mannitol administration may exacerbate this condition. Therefore, assessing breath sounds allows the nurse to monitor for signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or wheezes.

Collecting a clean catch urine specimen may be necessary for diagnostic purposes to assess kidney function and determine the presence or severity of acute kidney injury. However, obtaining vital signs and assessing breath sounds should be the first nursing intervention before administering any medication, including mannitol, to ensure the client's safety and monitor for any potential adverse effects.