The charge nurse brings a #18 urinary catheter with a 30 mL balloon to the practical nurse (PN) who is preparing to insert a catheter in a female client who weighs 50 kg. Which action should the PN take first?

A) Incorrect- Liver enzymes are important for assessing liver function, but they are not the primary concern when a client with chronic kidney disease is feeling increasingly tired. Epoetin alfa injections are used to stimulate red blood cell production, so the nurse should review a laboratory value related to anemia.
B) Correct- Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is often used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. A complete blood count (CBC) would provide information about red blood cell levels, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, which are essential for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.
C) Incorrect- Serum electrolytes are important for assessing overall kidney function and electrolyte balance, but the primary concern here is the client's increasing fatigue. Reviewing a value related to anemia and red blood cell production would be more appropriate.
D) Incorrect- Platelet count is important for assessing blood clotting function, but it's not directly related to the client's increasing fatigue. Anemia-related laboratory values should be the focus.

A) Incorrect- an audible voice when client is trying to communicate, indicates that the client has some air passing through the vocal cords, which may be due to a partially deflated cuff or a speaking valve. This is not a life-threatening situation, but the nurse should ensure that the cuff pressure is adequate and that the client is not experiencing any discomfort or aspiration risk.
B) Incorrect- This may indicate atelectasis, pneumonia, or pleural effusion in that lung area. The nurse should auscultate the client's lungs more thoroughly, monitor the client's oxygenation and ventilation parameters, and report the findings to the provider.
C) Correct- This finding suggests that the client may have a ventilator disconnect, a leak in the circuit, or a cuff leak, which can compromise the client's oxygenation and ventilation. The nurse should immediately check the ventilator connections and tubing, and assess the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation.
D) Incorrect- high-pressure alarm sounds when the client is coughing, which is a common occurrence in mechanically ventilated clients who have increased airway resistance due to secretions, bronchospasm, or coughing. The nurse should suction the client as needed, administer bronchodilators if prescribed, and ensure that the ventilator settings are appropriate for the client's condition.