The nurse reviews the entries in the medical record.

Admission Assessment 0900:
Client reports, "I'm bloated and my stomach hurts." History of prior illness: Client reports a 3-week history of gnawing abdominal pain. Client states, "It's a burning sensation that radiates to my back. I think I've lost a little weight too." Reports one episode of dark, tarry stool. No vomiting. Client reports pain is worse about 1 hr after eating a meal. Past medical history: Osteoarthritis
Social history: Recently divorced, drinks in moderation (3 to 4 drinks per week), smokes tobacco
Current medications:

Ibuprofen 800 mg three times daily PRN arthritis pain Physical Examination:

General: client appears uncomfortable, diaphoretic

Head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT): oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist and pale
Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear

Gastrointestinal: epigastric tenderness to palpation, no rebound tenderness or guarding Neurological: oriented x 3 (person, place, and time)

The nurse is ready to begin. For each potential nursing action, specify if the action is indicated or not indicated for the client.
Nursing Actions

Based on the information provided, the following findings require immediate follow-up:

A. Witnessing their family's death: The client witnessing their family's death during the tornado is a traumatic event that may have significant psychological implications. This finding requires immediate attention and further assessment to address the client's emotional well-being.

B. Caregiver reporting client acting differently than usual: The caregiver's concern about the client "not being themselves lately" is important and may indicate changes in the client's behavior or mental state. This requires immediate follow-up to explore the reasons behind the change in behavior.

D. Startles easily during thunderstorm: The client's heightened startle response during thunderstorms may be indicative of increased anxiety or trauma-related symptoms. This finding requires further evaluation and intervention.

G. Smoking marijuana to clear their mind: The client's use of marijuana to cope with their emotions and thoughts indicates maladaptive coping mechanisms. This finding requires immediate follow-up to address substance use and provide appropriate support.

H. Client experiences nightmares: The client's nightmares are likely related to the traumatic event they witnessed, and they may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This finding requires immediate attention and assessment to provide appropriate mental health support.

The other findings mentioned (C, E, F) are not concerning based on the information provided and do not require immediate follow-up. However, they may still be relevant for the client's overall assessment and care plan. The nurse should prioritize addressing the immediate mental health and emotional needs of the client, given the recent traumatic experience they went through.

Choice A rationale:

A sore throat is a common and expected finding after a tonsillectomy due to irritation from the procedure. While it can cause discomfort, it is not a priority concern unless it worsens significantly or is accompanied by other symptoms indicating complications such as bleeding or infection.

Choice B rationale:

Frequent swallowing can be a sign of bleeding after a tonsillectomy. The child may swallow more often to clear blood or blood clots from the throat, which could indicate that there is active bleeding from the surgical site.

Choice C rationale:

Blood-tinged mucus is a common finding in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. It is expected due to the healing process and is not a cause for concern unless it becomes profuse or is accompanied by active bleeding.

Choice D rationale:

While dark brown vomit may indicate that the child has swallowed blood, it is not as immediately concerning as frequent swallowing, which could suggest active bleeding at the surgical site. Dark brown emesis is typically less alarming, but it should still be monitored closely.