The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a hospice client who requests a priest for the "Last Rites." Which should be the next response by the PN?

A. Give ibuprofen 400 mg PO every 6 hours PRN for fever
The client has a fever of 101.5° F (38.6° C), so administering ibuprofen to manage the fever is appropriate.
B. Give 1,000 mL sodium chloride now
This prescription is already ordered and being administered, so it does not need to be requested again.
C. Discontinue the peripheral IV
The client needs IV access for fluid administration and potential medications, so discontinuing the peripheral IV is not appropriate.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
There is no indication of urinary retention or need for precise fluid measurement, making this intervention unnecessary at this time.
E. Apply cardiac telemetry monitoring
Given the client's elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, cardiac telemetry monitoring would help in continuously assessing the client's cardiac status.
F. Collect blood to test electrolyte levels
Due to the client's symptoms and history of decreased fluid intake, electrolyte imbalance is a concern, and testing electrolyte levels is necessary.
G. Prepare to defibrillate the client
There is no indication of a cardiac emergency that would require defibrillation.
H. Collect blood for a type and screen
There is no indication of the need for a blood transfusion, making this intervention unnecessary.

A. Pallor is not directly related to low serum calcium levels. It may indicate anemia or other conditions, but it is not a primary concern for hypocalcemia.
B. Bruising is generally associated with clotting issues or trauma, not specifically with low serum calcium. Low calcium can affect clotting, but bruising is not a direct or primary symptom of hypocalcemia.
C. Tetany, which includes symptoms like muscle spasms, twitching, and numbness, is a key indicator of low serum calcium levels. Monitoring for tetany is essential in managing clients with malabsorption syndrome who have hypocalcemia.
D. Jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction or hemolysis, not directly related to low calcium levels. Low serum calcium is not typically associated with jaundice.