The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?

A. Evaluate the urine for a strong odor.
While evaluating urine for a strong odor can provide some information about a possible urinary tract infection (UTI), it is not the most immediate concern. The priority in this case is to assess for signs of systemic infection, and checking for a strong odor can be done later.

B. Measure her temperature and pulse rate.
This is the correct choice. Measuring temperature and pulse rate is a critical initial step to assess for signs of systemic infection. Fever and an elevated pulse rate can indicate that the infection may have spread beyond the bladder, possibly involving the kidneys.

C. Test her urine for the presence of hematuria.
Testing for hematuria (blood in the urine) is an important diagnostic step for a UTI, but it is not the first priority. Vital sign assessment takes precedence to determine the severity of the condition and the need for urgent intervention.

D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness.
Palpating the right flank for tenderness is a relevant physical assessment to check for kidney involvement, which is important in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. However, assessing vital signs is a more immediate and critical step to determine the severity of the condition.

A. Administer a prescribed sedative:
Sedatives may depress the respiratory drive, which can be detrimental in a client with respiratory distress. It is not the appropriate intervention in this case.

B. Assist the client to an upright position.
Positioning the client upright helps improve respiratory mechanics by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm and allowing better lung expansion. This position can enhance the efficiency of breathing and alleviate symptoms of breathlessness.

C. Encourage the client to drink water:
While maintaining hydration is important, it may not directly address the immediate respiratory distress. Addressing the respiratory symptoms with an upright position is more crucial at this moment.

D. Apply a high-flow venturi mask:
While oxygen therapy may be necessary for a client with COPD experiencing respiratory distress, the first step is to assist the client to an upright position to improve respiratory mechanics. Applying a high-flow venturi mask may be a subsequent intervention based on the overall assessment, but positioning is the initial priority.