During a change-of-shift report, a night shift nurse informs the day shift nurse that a newly admitted client was disoriented and combative during the night. Which of the following actions should the day shift nurse take?

- A. Correct. The nurse should turn off the CPM machine during mealtime, as it can interfere with the client's ability to eat and drink comfortably. The nurse should also turn off the CPM machine when transferring or repositioning the client, or when performing wound care or other interventions on the affected leg.

- B. Incorrect. The nurse should maintain the client's affected hip in a neutral position, as external rotation can cause malalignment of the prosthesis and impair healing. The nurse should use pillows or wedges to support the leg and prevent rotation or abduction of the hip joint.

- C. Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client how to adjust the CPM settings, as this can compromise the prescribed range of motion and speed of the device. The nurse should follow the provider's orders and check with them before making any changes to the CPM settings. The nurse should also monitor the client's pain level and administer analgesics as needed to facilitate compliance with the therapy.

- D. Incorrect. The nurse should not store the CPM machine under the client's bed when not in use, as this can pose a safety hazard and damage the equipment. The nurse should place the CPM machine on a stable surface near the bed and ensure that it is plugged into a grounded outlet and has adequate battery backup in case of power failure.

Electrolyte imbalance in pregnant clients is often associated with conditions that lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. In this scenario, the key indicators are persistent nausea and significant weight loss.

• Persistent nausea can lead to reduced food and fluid intake. This condition, especially if prolonged, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients that are not being replenished due to inadequate dietary intake.
• Significant weight loss, particularly the amount described in the scenario (6.8 kg or 15 lb), is a clear sign of inadequate nutritional intake and can further exacerbate the risk of electrolyte imbalance. It indicates that the body is not receiving enough nutrients, which is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance.

The other options, while related to diet and fluid intake, are more specific to the client's eating habits and do not directly point to the primary cause of potential electrolyte imbalance in the context of this scenario. Therefore, the most comprehensive and medically relevant choice is (A) Persistent nausea and significant weight loss.