A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an appendectomy.

Vital Signs

1800:

Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 104/min

Respiratory rate 22/min

Blood pressure 142/80 mm Hg

O2 saturation 97% on room air

1800:

Client alert and oriented x 4

Skin warm and dry

Lungs clear on auscultation

Bowel sounds hypoactive in all four quadrants Urine clear yellow

Incisional dressing clean and dry

Client reports pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10

1815:

Morphine administered as prescribed

2000:

Temperature 98.4° F (36.8° C) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 24/min

Blood pressure 158/88 mm Hg O2 saturation 93% on room air

Which of the following 4 client findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.

B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.

C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.

D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.

Choice A reason:

Allow the client's partner to translate. While the partner may be well-intentioned, using a family member or friend as an ad-hoc interpreter can compromise the confidentiality of the information and may not accurately convey the client's medical concerns.

Choice B reason:

Have the client's child translate. Relying on a child to translate sensitive medical information is inappropriate, as it may burden the child and may lead to potential misunderstandings or omissions in communication.

Choice C reason:

Ask a nursing student who speaks the same language as the client to translate. Although a nursing student who speaks the same language as the client may be able to assist, using a professional interpreter is the preferred option. Professional interpreters have specific training in medical terminology and communication, ensuring the most accurate and effective exchange of information.

Choice D reason:

Using a professional interpreter is essential in situations where the healthcare provider and the client do not speak the same language. It ensures accurate communication, maintains confidentiality, and prevents misunderstandings. In this scenario, the nurse should request an interpreter who is proficient in the client's language to assist with the admission process.