A nurse in the operating room is caring for a client who suddenly develops muscle rigidity and a rise in body temperature. What emergency medication should the nurse expect to receive an order to start administering?

Choice A reason: Obtaining a chest x-ray can provide important diagnostic information about the client's lung condition, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to address the low oxygen saturation to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed can help improve oxygenation by facilitating easier breathing. However, in this scenario, the immediate need to increase oxygen levels through supplemental oxygen takes precedence over repositioning.

Choice C reason: Administering a prescribed analgesic might be necessary for pain management, but it does not address the critical issue of low oxygen saturation. The primary concern is to stabilize the client's oxygen levels first.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Administering oxygen at 2 L/min is the most immediate and effective intervention to improve the client's oxygen saturation. Supplemental oxygen will help increase the oxygen levels in the blood, addressing the immediate need for adequate oxygenation.

Choice A reason:

Expecting some swelling in the hands and feet is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid accumulation in the body. Instead of causing swelling, it helps alleviate it. Swelling would not be an expected outcome of taking furosemide and suggesting this would contradict the intended purpose of the medication.

Choice B reason:

Taking the medication at bedtime is generally not recommended for diuretics like furosemide because it can lead to nocturia, which is frequent urination during the night, disrupting sleep. Furosemide is usually taken in the morning to avoid this inconvenience and ensure the diuretic effect occurs during waking hours.

Choice C reason:

Eating foods that contain plenty of potassium is crucial for clients taking furosemide because it can cause significant loss of potassium, a vital electrolyte, through increased urination. Low potassium levels can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause muscle weakness, cramping, and heart rhythm disturbances. Therefore, consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and spinach is essential to maintain electrolyte balance.

Choice D reason:

Taking aspirin if headaches develop is not a standard instruction for clients taking furosemide. While managing headaches may be important, it is not directly related to the use of furosemide. Additionally, without medical advice, taking aspirin could pose risks, especially in patients who may have other underlying conditions or take other medications that interact with aspirin.