When preparing to administer an intravenous medication through a client's triple lumen central venous catheter, the nurse observes that there are no continuous intravenous fluids infusing. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position: While this position may increase venous return, it does not address the underlying cause in a pregnant client, which is usually aortocaval compression by the uterus. Simply tilting the table may be less effective than proper lateral displacement.

B. Remove the client's legs from the stirrups: Removing the legs may relieve some discomfort but does not correct the maternal hypotension caused by pressure on the inferior vena cava. Additional interventions are needed to improve circulation.

C. Instruct the client to take deep breaths: Deep breathing may help with anxiety or mild shortness of breath but does not resolve the hemodynamic compromise caused by supine hypotensive syndrome.

D. Place a wedge under the client's hip: Placing a wedge under the right or left hip tilts the uterus off the inferior vena cava, improving venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure. This is the priority action to relieve dizziness, pallor, and diaphoresis in a pregnant client at 26 weeks’ gestation.

Reduced pulse distal to injury: A humeral fracture can damage surrounding vasculature, especially the brachial artery, leading to compromised circulation. This results in weak or absent distal pulses, which requires urgent evaluation for possible neurovascular compromise.

• Decreased range of motion: Both rotator cuff injury and humeral fracture commonly cause impaired shoulder mobility. A rotator cuff tear limits abduction and overhead activities, while a fracture mechanically restricts movement due to pain, swelling, or bone displacement.

• Coolness of skin: A humeral fracture can impair blood flow by compressing or injuring vessels, producing ischemic changes such as cool skin. This finding signals inadequate perfusion, which can progress to serious complications if untreated.

• Pain with movement: Both a rotator cuff tear and humeral fracture are associated with pain on movement. In a tear, the pain stems from tendon injury and inflammation, while in a fracture, bone disruption and soft tissue trauma intensify pain when the joint is moved.

• 1+ strength in left upper extremity: Weakness in the affected arm is more typical of rotator cuff injury, as tendon disruption limits muscular function and reduces lifting ability. This differs from fracture-related pain, where strength may be preserved but restricted by pain.