A nurse is assessing a sedated patient whose respiratory rate has fallen below 12 respirations per minute. The nurse identifies this condition as

A: Applying pressure over a bony prominence helps assess for pitting edema, a common indicator of fluid retention causing swelling. This action provides objective data to confirm the patient's subjective observation.
B: Percussion is not typically used to assess edema. It is more suitable for assessing the density of underlying structures.
C: Elevating the feet may help alleviate swelling but does not confirm the presence of edema.
D: Documenting the observation is important, but further assessment is needed to confirm the patient's concern.

A. The site where the blood pressure was obtained is important to document because blood pressure measurements can differ significantly between different parts of the body (e.g., arm versus thigh). Documenting the site ensures that future measurements can be compared appropriately.
B. Interventions implemented in response to a client's blood pressure need documentation to track what actions were taken and whether these actions had the intended effect on the patient's health status. This helps in assessing the efficacy of interventions.
C. A client's position when the blood pressure was obtained affects the readings; measurements might differ when taken in positions such as lying, sitting, or

standing. Accurate documentation of position helps in ensuring that readings are interpreted correctly.
D. The frequency in which a blood pressure is taken provides context for understanding how the patient’s blood pressure is trending over time, which is critical for ongoing management and therapeutic decisions, especially in unstable or critical patients.
E. A client's response to interventions implemented should be documented to evaluate whether the treatment plan needs adjustments and to understand how the patient is coping with the treatment. This documentation is crucial for patient safety and care continuity.