A nurse is caring for a client following bilateral knee replacement surgery and they require assistance with dressing. The nurse should report this information to which of the following interdisciplinary team members?

A. Administer acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is useful for fever, but it does not improve respiratory status. The priority is to promote lung expansion and prevent complications like atelectasis, which is achieved through deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.

B. Instruct the client to use the incentive spirometer five times per hour: Using the incentive spirometer frequently helps to expand the lungs and reduce the risk of atelectasis, a common postoperative complication. This intervention encourages deep breathing and improves oxygenation, which is essential for the client’s respiratory status.

C. Ambulate the client 30 min after administering analgesia: Ambulation promotes deep breathing and lung expansion, and it helps to mobilize secretions. Administering analgesia before ambulation ensures that the client is comfortable enough to participate in this activity.

D. Encourage the client to cough and breathe deeply: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps clear secretions from the lungs and promotes better oxygenation. This helps prevent respiratory complications especially after surgery when lung expansion is compromised.

E. Administer ondansetron: While ondansetron is necessary for controlling nausea, it does not directly improve the client’s respiratory status. However, if nausea is under control, the client may be more willing to participate in activities that promote lung expansion.

F. Administer supplemental oxygen: The current oxygen saturation of 92% is slightly low but not critical. The priority is to improve the client’s respiratory status through physical activity and breathing exercises before considering oxygen supplementation.

G. Encourage the client to splint the abdomen: Splinting the abdomen with a pillow while coughing or deep breathing reduces discomfort, especially after abdominal surgery. This technique helps the client engage in deep breathing and coughing more effectively.

A. Speech therapy referral: A speech therapy referral is appropriate for a client with dysphagia following a stroke. Speech therapists can assess the severity of swallowing difficulties and provide strategies to improve swallowing function. This is standard care.

B. Dietitian consult: A dietitian consult is essential to ensure proper nutritional intake and modify the client's diet for safe swallowing. A dietitian can help adjust the texture of foods and recommend alternatives to reduce the risk of aspiration.

C. Oral suction at the bedside: Oral suctioning is a precautionary measure for clients with dysphagia to clear any potential obstructions from the airway. It’s essential to have suction equipment available at the bedside in case of choking or aspiration.

D. Clear liquids: Clear liquids are not recommended for clients with dysphagia because they pose a higher risk for aspiration. Clear liquids can be difficult for individuals with swallowing difficulties to control and may lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia.