A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has a fractured femur and is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Anuria: Anuria, or the absence of urine output, indicates severe dehydration or acute renal failure rather than moderate dehydration. Moderate dehydration usually presents with decreased but not absent urine output, as the body still tries to conserve fluids.

B. A 7% weight loss from baseline: A weight loss of 6% to 9% of body weight is consistent with moderate dehydration in infants and children. This measurable sign is a critical and objective indicator used to assess the severity of dehydration, particularly following prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.

C. Hyperpnea: Hyperpnea, or abnormally deep and rapid breathing, can be seen in cases of severe dehydration or metabolic acidosis. It is not a classic finding of moderate dehydration, where respiratory patterns are usually normal or only mildly affected.

D. Lethargy: Lethargy typically suggests severe dehydration rather than moderate. In moderate dehydration, the infant may be irritable or thirsty but usually maintains normal mental status without profound decreases in responsiveness or alertness.

• Placenta previa: Placenta previa occurs later in pregnancy and is characterized by painless bright red vaginal bleeding without abdominal tenderness. The client is only 6 weeks pregnant, and placenta previa is not a concern this early in gestation.
• abruptio placentae: Abruptio placentae involves painful bleeding and a rigid uterus, usually occurring after 20 weeks' gestation. The client’s gestational age and presenting symptoms are more consistent with an early pregnancy complication rather than abruptio placentae.
• ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The client’s missed period, positive pregnancy test, right lower quadrant tenderness, and dark red vaginal spotting are classic signs of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency if rupture occurs, requiring prompt identification and management.
• acute asthma attack: While the client has a history of asthma and slight inspiratory wheezing, her respiratory status is stable with normal oxygen saturation and no signs of acute respiratory distress. Therefore, an asthma attack is not the primary concern.
• pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis typically presents with fever, chills, flank pain, and urinary symptoms. The client’s presentation of right lower quadrant tenderness and vaginal spotting does not align with the typical findings of pyelonephritis.
• respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate is normal at 16/min, indicating stable respiratory function. Respiratory rate does not explain the primary concern related to abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
• history of regular menstrual period: While this supports that the client is late in her cycle, it is not the most direct or critical finding pointing toward the diagnosis. The focus should be on current clinical signs like abdominal tenderness.
• temperature: The client’s temperature is within normal range at 37.3°C (99.1°F), making infection less likely and not the primary concern related to her current symptoms.
• right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness: Localized tenderness in the right lower quadrant combined with vaginal spotting strongly suggests an ectopic pregnancy. This is a hallmark finding that supports the diagnosis as the growing embryo can cause irritation, stretching, or rupture of the fallopian tube.
• hyperactive bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are nonspecific and can occur due to anxiety, mild gastrointestinal upset, or pain, but they are not diagnostic for ectopic pregnancy. The abdominal tenderness is the more significant finding.