On the second postoperative day, a client who had a colon resection is starting to eat and ambulate with assistance. Although the client has a prescription for an oral analgesic, they request that the PCA containing morphine be continued for one more day due to fear of pain. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A reason: Preparing for a cesarean delivery is not indicated solely based on the information provided. The patient is at 36 weeks with moderate pre-eclampsia and there are no immediate signs of fetal distress or a need for emergency delivery based on the nurse’s notes.
Choice B reason: Administering calcium gluconate is appropriate if there are signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, as it acts as an antidote. The patient’s decreased level of consciousness and absent DTRs may suggest magnesium toxicity, making this a correct intervention.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood pressure is a standard and ongoing requirement for monitoring a pre-eclampsia patient, especially after noting a significant drop in blood pressure from 170/98 mm Hg to 118/78 mm Hg, which could indicate an overcorrection or other issues.
Choice D reason: Stopping the infusion of magnesium sulfate is not indicated at this time. While the patient’s decreased LOC and absent DTRs are concerning, magnesium sulfate is critical for preventing seizures in pre-eclampsia and should not be stopped without clear signs of overdose and physician consultation.
Choice E reason: Increasing IV fluids is not indicated and could be harmful. The patient already has pulmonary edema and increasing fluids could exacerbate this condition, especially in the context of pre-eclampsia where fluid management needs to be carefully balanced.
Choice F reason: Administering oxygen is correct as the patient’s oxygen saturation has dropped from 98% to 93%, and the goal is to maintain it above 96% as per the physician’s orders.
Choice G reason: Obtaining serum magnesium level is correct because it is necessary to monitor for signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity given the patient’s symptoms of decreased LOC and absent DTRs.
Choice H reason: Preparing to prevent respiratory or cardiac arrest is correct as the patient has signs that may suggest impending magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can lead to respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.

Choice A reason: After cardiac catheterization, monitoring the client's vital signs and telemetry pattern is crucial, especially when symptoms like weakness and dizziness are reported. These symptoms could indicate serious complications such as bleeding, arrhythmia, or cardiac tamponade. Monitoring vital signs can help detect hypotension, hemorrhage, or other hemodynamic instabilities. Telemetry is crucial for detecting arrhythmias that may require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Palpating and comparing pedal pulse volumes is an important step to assess for vascular complications such as thrombosis or embolism. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client reports systemic symptoms like weakness and dizziness, which could be signs of more serious conditions.

Choice C reason: Measuring post-procedure intake and output is part of routine postoperative care to ensure proper fluid balance. While important, it is not the most critical action to take when a client is experiencing acute symptoms that could indicate life-threatening complications.

Choice D reason: Removing the dressing and observing the site might be indicated if there is suspicion of bleeding or hematoma formation at the catheterization site. However, since the dressing is reported to be dry and intact, and the client is experiencing systemic symptoms, the priority is to assess for potential systemic complications first.