A nurse is attending to a patient who is experiencing discomfort.
Which of the following patient statements should the nurse document in the initial pain assessment to describe the quality of the patient’s pain?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice C rationale: Assessing the patient for orthostatic hypotension is crucial because patients who can only bear weight on one leg may have compromised balance and stability. Orthostatic hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, could lead to dizziness or fainting, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Identifying this condition before transferring the patient ensures appropriate interventions can be taken to maintain safety and prevent accidents. The nurse can then apply necessary precautions such as additional support or slow, gradual position changes to minimize the risk.

Choice A rationale: Rocking the patient up to a standing position might help initiate the transfer, but it’s not the immediate priority after securing a safe environment. Ensuring the patient's stability and monitoring their vital signs, especially for orthostatic hypotension, is essential before attempting any movement.

Choice B rationale: Pivoting on the foot that is the farthest from the chair is part of the transfer technique, but it should only be performed after confirming the patient is stable and not at risk of orthostatic hypotension. Proper assessment precedes this step to prevent potential falls.

Choice D rationale: Applying a gait belt to the patient is important for safe transfer, but again, this step follows the assessment of the patient's condition. The gait belt is an aid for the transfer process, but its effectiveness relies on the patient's ability to stand without becoming dizzy or faint.

Choice A rationale

Auscultating lung sounds is the priority when monitoring for adverse effects of administering IV fluids. Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, which would be detected by abnormal lung sounds such as crackles.

Choice B rationale

While measuring urine output is important to assess kidney function and fluid balance, it is not the priority in this case.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring blood pressure readings is important when administering IV fluids, but it is not the priority in this case.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring electrolyte levels is important when administering IV fluids, but it is not the priority in this case.