The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?

Reference ranges:

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L]
• Platelets: [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 or 150 to 400 x 10^9/L]

This client should be reassessed by the RN prior to transfer, as worsening perineal pain may indicate a hematoma, infection, or inadequate pain management. The RN should inspect the perineum, check the vital signs, and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.

The other options are not correct because:

B. A multigravida whose peri-pad is 1/4 saturated with lochia rubra after one hour does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Lochia rubra is a red-colored vaginal discharge that contains blood and debris from the placental site, and it usually lasts for 3 to 4 days after delivery. A peri-pad that is 1/4 saturated after one hour is within the expected range of blood loss.

C. A multigravida complaining of strong afterbirth pains when breastfeeding does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Afterbirth pains are cramps caused by uterine contractions that help shrink the uterus and prevent bleeding. They are more common and intense in multiparous women and during breastfeeding, as oxytocin is released and stimulates contractions.

D. A primigravida who passed a small clot when she sat up on the edge of the bed does not need to be reassessed by the RN, as this is a normal finding for a client two hours post-birth. Small clots may form in the uterus or vagina due to pooling of blood during rest or anesthesia, and they are usually expelled when changing position or ambulating. As long as the clot is smaller than a plum and there is no excessive bleeding or pain, it is not a cause for concern.

A) Incorrect - Providing a regular diet tray is important for the client's nutritional needs, but it is not as urgent as assessing vital signs or administering Albuterol in response to the client's acute symptoms.
B) Correct- This action is a priority after any assessment or intervention. Vital signs provide important information about the client's overall condition, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
C) Incorrect - Applying oxygen is important, but its priority depends on the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, which should be assessed first.
D) Correct- Administering Albuterol as ordered is crucial for addressing the client's acute breathing difficulty. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps alleviate asthma symptoms, and timely administration is essential.
E) Incorrect - Performing a pulmonary function test is valuable for assessing lung function, but it's not an immediate concern compared to addressing the client's breathing difficulty.