Prior to administering pain medication to an adult postoperative client, what information should the practical nurse (PN) obtain? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

"Obtain a prescription for pramipexole." Rationale: This statement is not appropriate for a pregnant client experiencing trouble sleeping. Pramipexole is a medication used to treat restless legs syndrome and Parkinson's disease. It is not typically prescribed for sleep disturbances during pregnancy.

Choice B rationale:

"Lie on your left side with your top leg forward." Rationale: This is the correct instruction. The recommended sleeping position during pregnancy is lying on the left side with the top leg forward. This position can help improve blood flow to the uterus and relieve pressure on major blood vessels, promoting better sleep.

Choice C rationale:

"Use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator." Rationale: Using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) is not a standard intervention for pregnancy-related sleep problems. TENS units are typically used for pain management and are not indicated for sleep disturbances.

Choice D rationale:

"Soak in a bathtub of hot water each night." Rationale: This recommendation is not appropriate during pregnancy. Soaking in hot water for extended periods can raise the body's core temperature, which is not recommended during pregnancy as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Pregnant individuals should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and prolonged exposure to hot water.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased skin turgor. Decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration rather than fluid overload. In fluid overload, the body retains excess fluid, leading to symptoms like crackles in the lungs, edema, and increased blood pressure. Decreased skin turgor is more characteristic of dehydration, where the body loses fluid.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased blood pressure. Decreased blood pressure is not typically a manifestation of fluid overload. Fluid overload often leads to increased blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to pump excess fluid throughout the body.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss. Weight loss is not a manifestation of fluid overload. In fact, fluid overload may lead to weight gain due to the retention of excess fluid in the body.

Choice D rationale:

Crackles heard in the lungs. Crackles heard in the lungs are a common manifestation of fluid overload. When there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs, it can interfere with the exchange of gases and cause crackling sounds during breathing. This is a significant clinical finding that indicates the need for intervention and assessment of fluid balance.