The nurse is continuing to care for the client.

Exhibits

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The client is at greatest risk for developing

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and

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Rationale:

A. "Maintain the client in a supine position for 24 hours following surgery.": Prolonged supine positioning increases the risk of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Early mobilization and elevating the head of the bed help promote lung expansion and reduce postoperative risks.

B. "Expect the client to have a palpable distended bladder following surgery.": A distended bladder is not expected and may indicate urinary retention, a common complication after anesthesia. The nurse should assess and address it promptly, rather than consider it normal.

C. "Report bleeding that saturates the client's dressing.": Active bleeding that saturates a postoperative dressing may indicate hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Reporting this finding is critical to prevent further complications like hypovolemia or shock.

D. "Ensure the client's urinary output is no less than 20 mL per hour.": Urine output should be at least 30 mL per hour in adults. A rate below this may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment and should prompt further assessment and intervention.

Rationale:

A. Consult the pharmacist about potential interactions between the client's regular medications and warfarin: Warfarin has numerous drug interactions that can increase bleeding risk or reduce effectiveness. Consulting the pharmacist ensures a thorough review of the client’s medication list for potential harmful interactions before discharge.

B. Tell the client they can continue to drink cranberry juice while taking warfarin: Cranberry juice can potentiate the effects of warfarin and increase bleeding risk by interfering with its metabolism. Clients should be advised to limit or avoid cranberry products.

C. Recommend the client take warfarin at the same time as other medications: Warfarin should be taken at the same time each day, but taking it with other medications may cause interactions. The timing should consider spacing it from medications that might interfere with absorption or potency.

D. Advise the client that over-the-counter medications remain safe to consume as needed: Many OTC medications, especially NSAIDs, can increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin. Clients need to check with a healthcare provider before taking any new OTC drugs.