An older client with cirrhosis of the liver and hepatic failure is placed on a low sodium diet and is receiving periodic albumin infusions. Which assessment finding indicates progress toward the desired effect of this treatment plan?

Choice A reason: Administering analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule is the most important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, because it can provide consistent and adequate pain relief for the client with metastatic cancer, who is likely to have chronic and severe pain. The nurse should follow the principles of cancer pain management, such as using the WHO analgesic ladder, titrating the dose according to the pain intensity, and using a multimodal approach that combines opioids, non-opioids, and adjuvants.

Choice B reason: Frequently evaluating the client’s pain is an important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, but it is not the most important one. Evaluating the client’s pain can help the nurse to assess the effectiveness of the analgesics, identify the characteristics and causes of the pain, and adjust the pain management plan accordingly. However, evaluating the pain alone is not enough to provide pain relief, and the nurse should also implement the appropriate interventions based on the evaluation.

Choice C reason: Replacing transdermal analgesic patches every 72 hours is not a relevant intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, because it is not applicable to the client’s situation. Transdermal analgesic patches are a form of opioid delivery that can provide long-lasting pain relief, but they are not suitable for acute or breakthrough pain, and they have a delayed onset of action. The client in this scenario is receiving IV analgesics, which have a faster onset and shorter duration of action, and are more appropriate for acute or breakthrough pain.

Choice D reason: Monitoring the client for break-through pain is an important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, but it is not the most important one. Break-through pain is a sudden and transient increase in pain that occurs despite the use of regular analgesics, and it can be caused by various factors, such as movement, infection, or tumor progression. The nurse should monitor the client for break-through pain and administer rescue doses of analgesics as needed. However, monitoring the client for break-through pain is not enough to prevent or treat the pain, and the nurse should also administer analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief.

Choice A reason: Reorienting to day and time frequently is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to reduce confusion, anxiety, and disorientation, which may contribute to the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should use simple and clear language, speak slowly and calmly, and provide cues and reminders, such as a clock, a calendar, or a picture, to help the client to orient to reality.

Choice B reason: Applying soft wrist restraints bilaterally is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, unless it is absolutely necessary and ordered by the doctor. Restraints can increase the client's agitation, anxiety, and fear, and they can also cause physical and psychological harm, such as skin breakdown, nerve damage, or loss of dignity. The nurse should use restraints only as a last resort, after trying other less restrictive alternatives, such as verbal de-escalation, distraction, or medication.

Choice C reason: Administering a PRN dose of lorazepam is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, if it is prescribed by the doctor and indicated by the client's condition. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help the client to relax, reduce anxiety, and sedate the central nervous system, which may alleviate the auditory hallucinations. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and respiratory status, and report any adverse effects, such as hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression.

Choice D reason: Turning the television on for distraction is not a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can worsen the client's auditory hallucinations, confusion, and agitation. The television can provide too much stimulation, noise, and information, which can overload the client's sensory perception and interfere with their ability to distinguish reality from hallucination. The nurse should provide a quiet and calm environment, and limit the sources of auditory input.

Choice E reason: Presenting a calm, supportive demeanor is a nursing intervention that the nurse should implement, because it can help the client to feel safe, comfortable, and respected, and to establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. The nurse should show empathy, compassion, and patience, and avoid arguing, criticizing, or dismissing the client's hallucinations. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings, validate their distress, and reassure them that they are not alone.