The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.

The nurse is assisting with the care the client prior to a blood transfusion

Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

B. Stool results: A positive hemoccult test indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, likely due to a peptic ulcer. Immediate follow-up is needed to assess for ongoing blood loss and the potential for hemorrhagic complications.

C. Heart rate: The tachycardia (118/min) suggests a compensatory response to hypovolemia from gastrointestinal bleeding. This requires prompt intervention to prevent hemodynamic instability.

F. Blood pressure: Hypotension (90/50 mm Hg) is concerning for volume depletion due to chronic or active gastrointestinal bleeding. This requires immediate follow-up to prevent shock.

G. Hemoglobin and hematocrit: A hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL and hematocrit of 27% indicate anemia, likely due to gastrointestinal blood loss. Further evaluation and potential blood transfusion may be required.

H. Current medications: Ibuprofen use is a major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding. Immediate follow-up is needed to discontinue NSAIDs and initiate appropriate ulcer management.

Incorrect:

A. Respiratory rate: A rate of 18/min is within the normal range and does not require urgent follow-up.

D. Temperature: A temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is slightly elevated but not clinically significant for immediate intervention.

E. WBC count: The WBC count is within the normal range, making it less of an immediate concern.

A. Attempting to force an object into the oral cavity during muscle contraction causes dental trauma or jaw fractures. It significantly increases the risk of aspiration if the object breaks or triggers a gag reflex. Modern clinical guidelines strictly prohibit the insertion of any device into the mouth during active convulsions. Airway patency is maintained by placing the client in a lateral position.

B. Tracking the exact duration of the ictal phase is a critical nursing responsibility for clinical assessment. This data determines the necessity for emergency benzodiazepines if the event lasts longer than 5 minutes. Precise timing helps differentiate between a self-limiting seizure and dangerous status epilepticus. The nurse must record the start and end times to guide medical intervention.

C. Lowering the side rails during a seizure increases the risk of the client falling from the height of the bed. Standard seizure precautions require that side rails remain raised and should be padded to prevent blunt force trauma. Ensuring the patient stays within the safe boundaries of the bed is a primary safety goal.

D. Physical restraints can cause severe musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures or dislocations during the forceful involuntary movements of the clonic phase. Restricting the extremities creates unnecessary resistance against powerful muscle contractions. The nurse should clear the immediate area of hard objects rather than holding the client down.