A client who is unconscious and has extensive internal injuries arrives via ambulance to the emergency unit. Which of the following permits the staff to proceed with emergency surgery?

A. A nurse withholds nutrition from a client who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order:

Withholding nutrition from a client solely based on a DNR order may not align with ethical practice, as nutrition should be provided unless there are specific contraindications or the client has expressed wishes to withhold nutrition.
B. A nurse administers prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respiratory rate of 8/min: This is the correct answer. Ethical practice involves providing comfort measures, including appropriate pain management, to clients who are terminally ill and experiencing pain or distress, even if it may inadvertently decrease the respiratory rate.
C. A nurse elects not to care for a client who had an abortion: Refusing to care for a client based on personal beliefs or judgments about their medical history or decisions may not align with
ethical practice, as nurses have a professional obligation to provide nonjudgmental care to all clients.
D. A nurse raises all four side rails on the bed of a client who is confused: While ensuring client safety is important, raising all four side rails without considering the client's individual needs and preferences may not be ethical practice, as it may infringe on the client's autonomy and dignity.

A. Reposition the client frequently: While repositioning is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining comfort, it may not be the priority immediately postoperatively compared to other interventions.
B. Instruct the client to use the incentive spirometer: This is the correct answer. Incentive spirometry helps prevent atelectasis and respiratory complications postoperatively, making it a priority intervention to include in the plan of care.
C. Increase the amount of time the client spends out of bed each day: Early ambulation is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia, but it may not be the priority immediately postoperatively depending on the client's condition and surgical procedure.
D. Ensure the client consumes an adequate amount of fluids: While hydration is important for postoperative recovery, ensuring adequate fluid intake may not be the priority compared to interventions aimed at preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis.