Which assessment finding is most important when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client?

- Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels: Consistent with iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficient anemia, and folic acid deficient anemia. Iron deficiency anemia results from
inadequate iron stores, while vitamin B12 deficient anemia and folic acid deficient anemia are characterized by inadequate levels of these respective vitamins, all of which contribute to decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
- Uptake often impeded by medications: Consistent with iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficient anemia. Iron absorption can be affected by certain medications, such as proton pump
inhibitors or antacids, which can hinder iron uptake. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from medications that interfere with its absorption, such as proton pump inhibitors or metformin.

- Often associated with chronic alcoholism: Consistent with vitamin B12 deficient anemia. Chronic alcoholism can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency due to poor dietary intake,
malabsorption, or liver dysfunction associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

- Can be caused by malabsorption syndrome: Consistent with vitamin B12 deficient anemia and folic acid deficient anemia. Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, can impair the absorption of both vitamin B12 and folic acid from the gastrointestinal tract,
leading to deficiencies.

- Result of dietary deficiency: Consistent with iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficient anemia, and folic acid deficient anemia. Iron deficiency anemia results from inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods, while vitamin B12 deficient anemia and folic acid deficient anemia stem from insufficient dietary intake of foods rich in these respective vitamins.

A. Encourage mobilization to prevent pulmonary embolism.
While mobilization can be important in preventing further DVT development, initial bed rest is often recommended to avoid dislodging the clot. Mobilization should be carefully managed based on the provider's recommendations.

B. Measure each calf's girth to evaluate edema in the affected leg.
Measuring calf girth is useful for monitoring the extent of the DVT, but it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring for complications of heparin therapy.

C. Observe for bleeding side effects related to heparin therapy.
This is the correct intervention. Heparin is an anticoagulant, and monitoring for signs of bleeding (such as in the gums, urine, stool, and bruising) is crucial to prevent serious complications.

D. Assess blood pressure and heart rate at least every 4 hours.
While important, frequent monitoring of vital signs is secondary to the need to vigilantly observe for bleeding, which is a direct and significant risk of heparin therapy.