The nurse is collecting data from the client following the transfusion of 2 units of packed RBCs.

Exhibits

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Laboratory Results:

1800:

WBC count 6,700/mm (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)

Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (14 to 18 g/dL)

Hematocrit 36% (40% to 52%)

Vital Signs:

1800:

Blood pressure 112/74 mm Hg

Heart rate 95/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

Temperature 37.5°  C (99.5°  F)

O2 saturation 100% 2 L/min O2 via nasal cannula

Assessment:

1800:

Physical Exam

General: no distress

Head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT): oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist and pink

Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear

Gastrointestinal: epigastric tenderness to palpation, no rebound tenderness or guarding

Neurologic: awake and alert

A. Postoperative ambulation is important for recovery and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most critical focus in the immediate preoperative period for a client undergoing a total laryngectomy.
B. Stoma site cleaning is the priority for the nurse to reinforce. After a total laryngectomy, the client will have a permanent stoma (opening) in the neck for breathing. Proper care and cleaning of the stoma site are essential to prevent infection, maintain airway patency, and ensure the client can manage their new method of breathing effectively.
C. Pain management is an important aspect of postoperative care, but it is secondary to ensuring that the client understands how to care for their stoma. Addressing pain is essential for comfort, but it does not take precedence over the immediate care required for the stoma.
D. Coughing and deep breathing are important for maintaining lung function and preventing complications such as pneumonia after surgery, but they are not the most critical teaching point for a client who will have a stoma after a total laryngectomy. The priority should be on the specific care of the stoma to ensure safety and effective breathing postoperatively.

A. Raises all four side-rails on the client's bed. Raising all four side-rails can create a risk for falls, as it may lead to a false sense of security and prevent the client from being able to exit the bed safely if needed. Additionally, it can increase the risk of entrapment or injury. The recommended practice is to keep two side-rails up while allowing for easy access and mobility for the client.
B. Locks the wheels on the client's bed. Locking the wheels on the client's bed is an appropriate action. This prevents the bed from rolling and helps ensure the client's safety, particularly when they are getting in and out of bed or during care activities.
C. Assists the client to the bathroom every 2 hr. Assisting the client to the bathroom every 2 hours is a reasonable intervention for a client at risk for falls, as it promotes regular toileting and prevents the need for urgent trips to the bathroom that could increase the risk of falling.
D. Clears furniture from the path leading to the bathroom. Clearing furniture from the path leading to the bathroom is a proactive safety measure. This reduces obstacles and hazards, promoting a safer environment for the client and minimizing the risk of falls during ambulation.