A nurse is assisting with the care of an adolescent. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as high-risk behaviors?

A. Encourage prolonged dangling before ambulation.
Prolonged dangling is not necessary for this client, who is already ambulating independently. Extended dangling may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension without providing significant benefits.

B. Administer an enema.
An enema is not the first-line intervention for postoperative constipation. The client has had a bowel movement, albeit small and painful, so increasing fluids and noninvasive measures like a sitz bath should be attempted first.

C. Encourage oral fluid intake.
Adequate hydration helps soften stool and prevent constipation, a common postoperative concern. The client’s fluid intake should be increased to support bowel function and improve urinary output.

D. Irrigate indwelling catheter with 500 mL of fluid.
The client has pink urine but is maintaining an adequate output of 100 mL/hr. Routine catheter irrigation is unnecessary unless there is evidence of obstruction, such as decreased urine flow or clot formation.

E. Assist the client with a sitz bath.
A sitz bath can provide comfort by promoting relaxation of perineal muscles, reducing pain during bowel movements, and improving circulation to the surgical site, which may aid healing.

The nurse anticipates the client will likely require blood transfusion as evidenced by the client’s low hemoglobin and low hematocrit.

Rationale:

(i)

B. Blood transfusion: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly low, suggesting anemia due to gastrointestinal blood loss. A blood transfusion may be necessary to restore adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and prevent further hemodynamic instability.

(ii)

C. Low hemoglobin: A hemoglobin level below normal indicates blood loss, likely from a bleeding peptic ulcer. This finding supports the need for intervention to prevent further complications such as hypoxia or shock.

F. Low hematocrit: A low hematocrit confirms anemia and blood volume depletion. This finding, along with the client's symptoms and history of dark, tarry stools, further supports the need for a blood transfusion.

Incorrect:

(i)

A. Proton pump inhibitor therapy: While PPIs are essential for ulcer management, they do not immediately address acute blood loss

C. Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are needed to eradicate H. pylori, but they are not the primary intervention for anemia.

D. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if bleeding is severe and refractory to medical management.

E. Intravenous fluid resuscitation: IV fluids can help stabilize blood pressure but do not directly correct anemia.

(ii)

A. Elevated white blood cell count: The client’s WBC count is normal, making it irrelevant to this scenario.

B. Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori is the likely cause of the ulcer, this result does not directly indicate the need for a blood transfusion.

D. Epigastric tenderness: This is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but does not directly relate to the need for a blood transfusion.

E. Dark, tarry stools: While indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, the direct lab evidence of anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) is more critical in determining the need for transfusion.