During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of a client's treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by assessing for which primary symptom?

Choice A reason: Clay-coloured stool is a symptom of bile duct obstruction. It indicates that bile is not reaching the intestines to help digest food. While this is important to note, it is not the most urgent finding that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: A distended, hard, and rigid abdomen is a sign of possible peritonitis or other severe abdominal complications. This finding indicates a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention by the healthcare provider. Prompt reporting is essential to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Choice C reason: Bile-stained emesis suggests that bile is being regurgitated, which is indicative of a blocked or compromised bile duct. However, this finding does not require as urgent reporting as a rigid abdomen, which could indicate a more serious condition.

Choice D reason: Radiating, sharp pain in the right shoulder is often referred pain from gallbladder issues. While this symptom is significant and should be monitored, it does not take precedence over the urgent finding of a distended and rigid abdomen that might indicate a severe complication.

Choice A reason: Withholding further opioid analgesics might be considered if the lack of bowel sounds is due to opioid-induced ileus. However, this is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse should first document the finding and continue to assess the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for a laxative might be appropriate if the client is experiencing constipation. However, administering a laxative without further assessment and documentation of the bowel sounds could lead to complications. The nurse should document the finding first and then collaborate with the healthcare provider for further interventions.

Choice C reason: Documenting the assessment finding is the most appropriate initial action. This ensures that the lack of bowel sounds is recorded in the client's medical record, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and communication with the healthcare team. Proper documentation also helps in tracking changes in the client's condition and making informed decisions about subsequent care.

Choice D reason: Preparing to insert a nasogastric tube might be necessary if the client develops symptoms of bowel obstruction or other complications. However, this action should follow the documentation and further assessment of the client's condition. The nurse should document the finding first to provide a basis for any further interventions.