Which information should the practical nurse (PN) collect during admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility?

Choice A rationale:
Asking another nurse about administering adult dosages to children may provide some insights, but it is not a reliable or definitive source of information. The PN should directly communicate with the healthcare provider who wrote the prescription to ensure accuracy and safety.
Choice B rationale:
Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.
Choice C rationale:
While requesting verification from the charge nurse is reasonable, the charge nurse may not have the authority to change or clarify the prescription. The most appropriate action is to directly contact the healthcare provider responsible for the child's care.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage assumes that the pharmacy made an error, which may not be the case. The PN should confirm the prescription with the healthcare provider to avoid potential mistakes or misunderstandings.

Correct Answer: C. Measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder.

Choice A rationale:

Catheterizing the client for residual urine volume is not necessary at this point because the woman has recently given birth, and frequent urination is common during the postpartum period. Additionally, catheterization poses risks of infection, so it should be reserved for situations where it is clinically indicated.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating for normal involution and massaging the fundus is not relevant in this context. Fundal massage is performed after childbirth to ensure the uterus contracts and prevents excessive bleeding. The woman's concern is about frequent urination, which does not require fundal massage.

Choice C rationale:

Measuring the next voiding and palpating the client's bladder is the most appropriate action. The woman's increased frequency of urination could be due to postpartum diuresis, a normal physiological process where the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. By measuring the next voiding and palpating the bladder, the nurse can assess for bladder distension or retention, which could be signs of a problem.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity is not indicated in this situation. There is no evidence to suggest that the woman has a urinary tract infection or other urinary issues that would warrant a urine culture at this time.