The nurse completes percussion of the abdomen on an older adult client.
Which finding is considered normal for this client?

This is the priority action by the practical nurse (PN) because it can help identify and prevent a potential adverse reaction to the medication. A client who is reaching saturation with medication means that the client has reached the maximum level of medication in the blood that can produce the desired therapeutic effect. However, this also means that the client is at a higher risk of developing toxicity or side effects from the medication. The PN should report the findings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin to the charge nurse, as these may indicate signs of inflammation, infection, or allergic reaction to the medication. The PN should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and laboratory values, and document the findings. The charge nurse should notify the health care provider and adjust the medication dosage or regimen as ordered.

a) Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that can help reduce pain and fever. However, it does not treat inflammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen only after reporting the findings to the charge nurse and obtaining an order from the health care provider.

b) Encourage the client to drink fluids.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. Drinking fluids can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance in the body, which are important for normal functioning of cells and organs. However, it does not treat inflammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should encourage the client to drink fluids only after reporting the findings to the charge nurse and obtaining an order from the health care provider.

d) Monitor the client's serum lipid levels.

This is not the priority action by the PN because it is not related to the client's symptoms. Serum lipid levels are measures of fats and cholesterol in the blood, which are important for energy production, hormone synthesis, and cell membrane structure. However, they are not related to inflammation, infection, or allergy, which may be the reasons for the client's muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin. The PN should monitor the client's serum lipid levels only if they are prescribed a medication that can affect lipid metabolism, such as statins or fibrates.

Choice A rationale:

Washing the patient's left side first and then moving to the right side does not demonstrate an individualized approach or consideration for the patient's preferences and abilities. It is important to involve the patient in the decision-making process, especially when they have hemiparesis, to promote their autonomy and comfort.

Choice B rationale:

Washing the patient's right side first and then moving to the left side does not consider the patient's preference and may not align with their abilities or comfort. It is essential to prioritize the patient's preferences and needs.

Choice C rationale:

Washing both sides of the patient at the same time, starting from the head and moving down, may not be feasible or comfortable for the patient, especially if they have hemiparesis. This approach does not demonstrate an individualized care plan based on the patient's specific condition.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the patient which side they prefer to wash first and then following their preference is the most patient-centered and appropriate approach. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and ensures that their needs and comfort are prioritized during the bathing process. It allows for individualized care based on the patient's abilities and preferences.