Which oral medication can the nurse safely cut in half?

A. Oxygen saturation 95% on room air A SpO2 of 95% is within acceptable limits, especially in a client who is not exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. This does not require immediate investigation, as it is not low enough to be concerning.

B. Bone misalignment: The client’s collarbone appears out of alignment on the left side. This could indicate a fracture or dislocation that needs to be evaluated further to prevent further injury, ensure proper alignment, and determine the need for stabilization or surgical intervention.

C. Swelling at the site of injury: Swelling at the injury site, especially with a history of trauma, could indicate a fracture or soft tissue damage. The nurse should assess the extent of the swelling to rule out internal bleeding, compartment syndrome, or a fracture requiring urgent management.

D. Nausea and fatigue reported by client: Nausea and fatigue can be symptoms of more serious conditions, such as a concussion or internal bleeding, especially given the trauma to the head. These symptoms should be investigated to rule out any neurological or systemic involvement.

E. Decreased range of motion: The client’s decreased range of motion in the left arm, particularly with the reported intense pain, indicates a potential fracture, dislocation, or significant soft tissue injury. This needs to be further assessed to ensure proper treatment and avoid further complications.

F. Intense pain reported by client: The client reports intense pain (10 on a 0 to 10 scale) in the left arm, along with difficulty moving it. This is a critical symptom, suggesting a possible fracture, dislocation, or soft tissue injury that needs to be addressed immediately.

G. Left arm that is cool to touch: Coolness to the touch in the left arm could indicate a lack of adequate blood circulation, potentially from vascular injury or compression. This requires further evaluation to assess for possible arterial injury or compartment syndrome.

G. Blood pressure of 136/90 mm Hg: While 136/90 mm Hg is elevated for a general population, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern in this acute trauma setting. It could be a normal finding for someone with a history of hypertension, or a temporary elevation due to pain and anxiety from the injury.

A. Temperature 99.9° F (37.7° C): A mild fever (99.9°F) is not a direct indicator of dehydration but could be related to other factors, including the body’s response to stress. It is not an immediate priority compared to other signs like poor skin turgor or low blood pressure.

B. Respirations 34 breaths/minute: An elevated respiratory rate may occur with dehydration, but it is not specific to dehydration alone. It should be monitored, especially when combined with other symptoms, but it is not a sole indicator of dehydration.

C. Heart rate 136 beats/minute: A heart rate of 136 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate dehydration, as the body attempts to compensate for reduced blood volume. Tachycardia is a common response to fluid loss and requires immediate follow-up.

D. Weak peripheral pulses: Weak peripheral pulses reflect poor circulation, which can be a result of dehydration. This finding indicates decreased perfusion and demands urgent attention to restore fluid balance and ensure proper circulation.

E. Dry mucous membranes: Dry mucous membranes are a hallmark sign of dehydration, as the body reduces fluid availability for non-essential processes. This finding should be immediately addressed, as it is a clear sign of fluid loss.

F. Body mass index (BMI) 21.9 kg/m²: BMI is a general indicator of body weight and is not related to fluid balance. While it provides useful information about the client’s overall health, it does not directly point to dehydration or fluid loss.

G. Blood pressure 100/52 mm Hg: Low blood pressure, especially in the context of dehydration, is a significant concern. A blood pressure of 100/52 mm Hg is a sign of hypovolemia or fluid loss, and immediate intervention is needed to restore normal fluid volume and prevent shock.

H. Poor skin turgor: Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration, where the skin remains tented after being pinched. This indicates a lack of sufficient fluid in the body, which must be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.