A nurse in a long-term care facility is collecting data from an older adult client. Which of the following findings indicates that the client might be dehydrated?

Choice A reason: Using analgesia around the clock is an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the principle of prevention rather than rescue when managing pain for a client who has terminal cancer. The nurse should administer analgesics on a regular schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief and prevent breakthrough pain.

Choice B reason: Applying pain patches each morning and removing them at bedtime is not an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and removing pain patches. Some patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours, while others are worn for 72 hours. Removing the patches too soon can cause inadequate pain control and withdrawal symptoms.

Choice C reason: Using intramuscular medications to control pain is not an appropriate action. The nurse should avoid using intramuscular route for administering analgesics to a client who has terminal cancer. Intramuscular injections are painful, unreliable, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should use oral, transdermal, or subcutaneous routes whenever possible.

Choice D reason: Decreasing a medication dose if the client develops tolerance is not an appropriate action. The nurse should understand that tolerance is a normal physiological response to long-term opioid use and does not indicate addiction or abuse. The nurse should adjust the medication dose according to the client's level of pain and response to treatment.

Choice A reason: 0.9% sodium chloride or normal saline is the only solution that should be administered with PRBCs, as it has an isotonic osmolarity and pH that are compatible with blood products and can prevent hemolysis or clotting.

Choice B reason: Dextrose 5% in water or D5W should not be administered with PRBCs, as it has a hypotonic osmolarity that can cause hemolysis or rupture of red blood cells due to osmotic pressure.

Choice C reason: Lactated Ringer's or LR should not be administered with PRBCs, as it contains calcium and lactate that can interfere with blood coagulation and cause clotting or embolism.

Choice D reason: Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride or D5½NS should not be administered with PRBCs, as it has a hypotonic osmolarity that can cause hemolysis or rupture of red blood cells due to osmotic pressure.