A nurse is assessing a client who has right-sided heart failure.

Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect to find?

Lithium. Lithium is a medication that has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes insipidus. This is because lithium can interfere with the function of the kidneys and their ability to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates the balance of fluids in the body.
Atorvastatin (choice B) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.
Propranolol (choice A) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.
Ranitidine (choice C) is a medication used to reduce stomach acid production and has not been associated with an increased risk of diabetes insipidus.

The correct answer is choice B: Insert an NG tube.

Choice A rationale: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output in some cases, but in this situation, the priority is to insert an NG tube. This will help prevent aspiration during surgery due to the client's high blood alcohol level, which increases the risk of vomiting.

Choice B rationale: Inserting an NG tube is the priority action for the nurse because a high blood alcohol level increases the risk of vomiting and aspiration during surgery. An NG tube can help reduce this risk by keeping the stomach empty and minimizing the chance of aspiration.

Choice C rationale: Obtaining consent for surgery is important, but in emergency situations, consent may be implied, or a designated surrogate decision-maker may provide consent. It is not the priority action for the nurse in this scenario.

Choice D rationale: Applying antiembolic stockings is a preventive measure for deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the priority action in this case. Ensuring the client's safety during surgery, specifically by preventing aspiration, takes precedence due to the client's high blood alcohol level.