A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a newly admitted client who is experiencing drooling and hoarseness following a burn injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

To convert the prescribed dose of levothyroxine from micrograms to milligrams, we need to remember that 1 milligram (mg) is equal to 1000 micrograms (mcg). Therefore, 50 micrograms is equal to 0.050 mg. The available medication is 0.025 mg per tablet. To find out how many tablets the nurse should administer, we divide the prescribed dose in milligrams by the strength of the available tablets: 0.050 mg divided by 0.025 mg/tablet equals 2.

A. While it's important to assess pedal pulses regularly, there is no indication in the scenario that the pedal pulses are abnormal or require immediate follow-up. The description mentions bilateral pedal pulses being present and intact throughout both days, suggesting no acute issues with peripheral circulation.

B. Crackles heard at the bases indicate possible pulmonary complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia, requiring further assessment and intervention.
C. A heart rate of 112/min indicates tachycardia, which could be a sign of pain, anxiety, or underlying cardiovascular issues. Further evaluation is needed to determine the cause.
D. The scenario states that the movement and sensation of the right foot are intact, with warm skin and no change in pigmentation. There are no signs of compromised neurovascular status in the right foot based on the provided information, so immediate follow-up for this finding is not necessary.
E. A respiratory rate of 28/min is elevated, suggesting respiratory distress or inadequate ventilation. Prompt assessment and intervention are necessary to address any respiratory issues.
F. A pulse oximetry reading of 88% on room air indicates hypoxemia, which requires immediate attention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Further assessment and intervention are needed to improve oxygen saturation levels.