A client with cirrhosis of the liver is having numerous, liquid, incontinent stools, and continues to be confused. In reviewing the client's laboratory studies, the nurse identifies an elevated serum ammonia level. Based on this finding, which prescription is most important for this client to receive?

Rationale:

• Palpate and compare radial pulses: It is important to check radial pulses to assess circulation to the injured limb. Decreased pulse strength, especially in the left arm, could indicate vascular injury, which requires immediate attention.
• Administer ondansetron 4 mg IV: The client is feeling nauseated and worries about vomiting, likely due to postoperative effects, pain medication, or anesthesia. Ondansetron is an antiemetic, which is appropriate to administer to manage nausea and prevent vomiting.
• Check capillary refill on bilateral upper extremities: Checking capillary refill is essential to assess perfusion to both arms. The client’s left arm is experiencing coolness, and diminished pulses were noted earlier, so this is necessary to monitor blood flow and prevent complications like compartment syndrome.
• Inspect the bandage for drainage: After surgery, it is important to inspect the surgical site for any drainage, bleeding, or signs of infection. This helps ensure that there are no complications or issues with wound healing.

• Perform range of motion: Performing range of motion exercises is contraindicated immediately after trauma, especially with a fracture or suspected injury to the shoulder. The shoulder should be immobilized to prevent further damage and to facilitate proper healing. Early movement may worsen the injury or cause additional pain.
• Provide morphine 2 mg IV push (IVP): While he had a nerve block, its effectiveness will wane, and he will likely experience significant pain from the fracture and surgical manipulation. Administering prescribed analgesia like morphine is a priority for pain management.

A. Provide a bedside commode for toileting: This intervention helps reduce the cardiac workload by minimizing the effort needed for the client to walk to the bathroom. It allows the client to conserve energy and reduce the strain on the heart.

B. Assist with ambulation in the hallway: While mobility is important, ambulating in the hallway can increase the heart’s workload, especially in a client with heart failure and pneumonia. It's best to minimize unnecessary physical exertion to prevent exacerbations.

C. Teach to sleep in a side-lying position: While side-lying can sometimes help with breathing, this position does not directly reduce the cardiac workload. The priority is ensuring the client has adequate rest and minimizing physical strain.

D. Encourage active range of motion exercises: While range of motion exercises are important for preventing complications like muscle atrophy, they may increase the cardiac workload. For a client with pneumonia and heart failure, the priority is to reduce exertion and conserve energy.