The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who had an amputation of the left leg for osteosarcoma. The adolescent describes experiencing phantom limb pain. Which non pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

A. The neck is the correct location for auscultating a carotid bruit. A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound heard over the carotid artery in the neck, typically indicative of turbulent blood flow due to a narrowing or blockage in the artery.

B. Auscultating the femoral region would not yield information about carotid bruits. The femoral region pertains to the upper thigh area and is not anatomically related to the carotid artery.

C. The cubital fossa is the inner elbow region and is not associated with auscultation for carotid bruits. It is typically used for auscultation of blood pressure using the brachial artery.

D. The navel (belly button) is not a relevant location for auscultation for carotid bruits. It is far from the carotid arteries and would not provide any meaningful information about carotid artery sounds.

A. Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 6 hours for temperature greater than 101°F (38.3°C): While controlling fever is important, it is not as urgent as ensuring adequate oxygenation and
monitoring of vital signs. Fever can be managed once the client's respiratory status is stabilized.

B. Place the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor

The correct answer is B. Placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor is crucial to continuously monitor vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and cardiac rhythm. Given the client's reported difficulty breathing, this order takes priority to assess the severity of respiratory distress and ensure timely intervention if needed.

C. Start oxygen 3 L/minute via nasal cannula

The correct answer is C. Initiating oxygen therapy is essential for improving oxygenation and respiratory function, especially in a patient with reported difficulty breathing. Administering oxygen can help alleviate hypoxemia and reduce the workload on the respiratory system. This intervention takes precedence in addressing the client's acute respiratory symptoms.
D. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is important for further evaluation of the client's respiratory status, but it is not as immediate as placing the client on a cardiorespiratory monitor and initiating oxygen therapy.
E. Run 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour: Initiating IV fluids is important, but it is not as urgent as addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.
F. Start a peripheral IV: Starting a peripheral IV is necessary for administering medications and fluids, but it can be done after placing the client on a monitor and starting oxygen therapy.

G. Sputum culture: While obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying the causative organism of the respiratory infection, it is not as urgent as addressing the client's immediate respiratory distress.
H. NPO: NPO status may be necessary for certain diagnostic tests or procedures, but it does not take priority over addressing the client's respiratory distress and oxygenation needs.