The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

A. The client attempted to climb over the side rails and fell:

This statement includes an interpretation of the client's actions. It's important to focus on factual information without making assumptions about the client's intentions or actions.

B. The client was restless and trying to get out of bed all evening:

Describing the client as restless and trying to get out of bed is a subjective interpretation of the client's behavior. Factual and objective observations are preferred when documenting incidents.

C. The presence of a bed alarm could have prevented the client from falling:

This statement includes an interpretation and a suggestion for prevention. While prevention strategies are important to consider, an incident report should primarily focus on describing what actually occurred rather than suggesting what could have prevented it.

D. The client was lying on the floor next to his bed:

This statement provides a clear and objective description of the situation without making assumptions or interpretations. It is important to document the actual events and the client's current condition.

A. Place the client on bed rest in supine position:

While bed rest might be appropriate for certain respiratory conditions, it is not a specific intervention for crackles. In fact, changing the client's position, such as having them sit up, may enhance lung function and help with breathing.

B. Repeat auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough:

This is the correct action. Repeating auscultation after having the client take deep breaths and cough can provide additional information about the nature of the crackles and may help clear the airways temporarily.

C. Prepare to administer antibiotics:

Administering antibiotics would be considered if the crackles are indicative of a respiratory infection. However, determining the need for antibiotics would require a more comprehensive assessment, including diagnostic tests.

D. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to less than 2,000 mL/day:

Limiting fluid intake is not a direct intervention for crackles. This action is typically considered in conditions like heart failure where there is a risk of fluid overload. It is not the primary intervention for addressing crackles in the lungs.