The nurse is providing education to a client newly diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Which of the following would be an incorrect statement about this condition?

A) Obtain samples for urine culture and urinalysis:
This is the first priority. The symptoms described—urinary frequency, dysuria (painful urination), and fever—are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, it is critical to obtain a urine sample for both a urinalysis and urine culture. The culture will help guide antibiotic therapy once the organism is identified. This is the foundational step before initiating any treatment. The results will also help determine whether the infection is localized or more severe, like a pyelonephritis
or systemic infection.

B) Insert a Foley catheter:
Inserting a Foley catheter may be necessary if the patient is unable to void, but it is not the first intervention in this case. A Foley catheter is generally used for urinary retention or if monitoring of urine output is necessary. In the context of suspected UTI symptoms, a Foley catheter should only be inserted if there is a clear need, not just for the convenience of obtaining a sample. Additionally, inserting a Foley catheter could introduce bacteria if the patient is not already catheterized and should therefore be avoided unless medically indicated.

C) Begin broad-spectrum IV antibiotics:
While starting antibiotics is important in treating a suspected UTI, especially in the presence of fever and potential infection, obtaining a urine sample for culture and urinalysis should be done first. This allows the healthcare team to tailor antibiotic therapy based on the culture results, reducing the risk of unnecessary or incorrect antibiotic use. If the patient is febrile and appears severely ill, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be started after obtaining the urine sample, but the culture and urinalysis must still be prioritized.

D) Prepare the client for a CT scan:
While imaging studies like a CT scan may be helpful in evaluating for complications, they are not the first step in managing the patient’s symptoms. Obtaining the urine sample and identifying whether an infection is present is essential for guiding further management. A CT scan may be ordered later if the clinical suspicion for complications remains high after the initial evaluation and lab results.

A. Auscultate the client’s apical pulse for a full minute:
While auscultating the apical pulse is important for certain cardiovascular conditions, it is not the primary action needed before administering sublingual nitroglycerin. The nurse's main priority is to assess the patient's blood pressure, as nitroglycerin can cause significant hypotension (a drop in blood pressure), and it is important to ensure the patient’s blood pressure is adequate before administration. If the blood pressure is too low, nitroglycerin should not be given.

B. Advise the client that vomiting is a primary side effect:
Vomiting is not a primary or common side effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is more likely to cause headaches, dizziness, flushing, and hypotension. While it’s helpful to inform the patient about possible side effects, advising them that vomiting is a primary side effect could cause unnecessary concern or confusion.

C. Check the client’s blood pressure:
This is the correct action. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Before administering sublingual nitroglycerin, it is essential to check the client's blood pressure. If the client is hypotensive or has low blood pressure, nitroglycerin should be withheld, as it could further decrease blood pressure and worsen the patient’s condition. This is the priority nursing action to ensure the patient’s safety.

D. Obtain a STAT chest X-ray:
Obtaining a chest X-ray is not a priority action for a client with unstable angina before administering nitroglycerin. Chest X-rays are more useful for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, pneumothorax, or other structural issues of the chest, but they are not immediately needed in the management of unstable angina. The most immediate concern is assessing the patient’s blood pressure before administering nitroglycerin.