A client smoking in his bathroom has dropped a cigarette butt into a wastepaper basket, which begins to smolder. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

A. A client who has a prescription for insulin, and his premeal capillary blood glucose was 110 mg/dL, and his post-meal capillary blood glucose is now 160 mg/dL:
While changes in blood glucose levels are important to monitor, the described change is not as significant as a sudden drop in blood pressure. The blood glucose levels in this scenario are still within a reasonable range.

B. A client whose blood pressure at 0800 was 138/86 mm Hg, and at 1200 is 106/60 mm Hg:
This is the priority client. The significant drop in blood pressure raises concerns about hypovolemia or circulatory issues, which require immediate attention to prevent complications such as inadequate organ perfusion.

C. A client who reports pain as 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 at 0800 and now reports pain as 6:
Pain management is important, but the change in pain intensity from 4 to 6, while indicating an increase, may not be as urgent as addressing a significant drop in blood pressure. Pain assessment and management can be addressed after stabilizing the client with the acute change.

D. A client whose wound drainage at 0800 was sanguineous, and now it is serosanguineous:
Changes in wound drainage color can be important for assessing the healing process, but a shift from sanguineous to serosanguineous is generally within the expected progression of wound healing. It may not require immediate intervention as compared to a significant drop in blood pressure.

A. “Check your oxygen equipment once each week.”
Checking the oxygen equipment once a week is insufficient. The equipment should be regularly inspected for safety, including tubing, connections, and the condition of the oxygen concentrator or tank.

B. “Do not adjust the oxygen flow rate.”
The nurse should include in the teaching that the client should not adjust the oxygen flow rate without consulting their healthcare provider. Adjusting the oxygen flow rate without proper guidance can lead to inappropriate oxygen delivery, which may be harmful.

C. “Store unused oxygen tanks horizontally.”
Oxygen tanks should be stored in an upright position to prevent damage to the tank valve. Storing them horizontally can increase the risk of leaks or damage.

D. “Keep wool blankets on your bed.”
Wool blankets and other items that generate static electricity should be avoided near oxygen equipment, as they can increase the risk of fire. The client should be advised to use non-static bedding and clothing.