A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage liver disease and is undergoing a paracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure?

A. Placing a pillow under the client's knees would not specifically address preventing a compromise in placental blood flow.
B. Reverse Trendelenburg involves tilting the bed so that the head is elevated and the feet are lower. While this position may help with respiratory difficulties (by allowing the diaphragm to expand), it does not address the concern of aortocaval compression, which is critical during pregnancy.
C. The lithotomy position is used for vaginal deliveries and involves placing the client's feet in stirrups, which is not appropriate for a cesarean birth.
D. The wedge position helps maintain blood flow to the placenta by relieving aortocaval compression, thereby improving venous return and placental perfusion. This is particularly important in pregnant clients, where the uterus can exert significant pressure on these blood vessels in the supine position.

Indicated:

Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client’s blood pressure at least 90/60 mmHg: - The client is hypotensive (76/45 mmHg), likely due to acute blood loss anemia from a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Adjusting the transfusion rate helps stabilize BP while preventing volume overload.

Stay with the client for the first 15 minutes of the transfusion: The highest risk of a transfusion reaction (e.g., hemolysis, anaphylaxis, febrile reaction) occurs within the first 15 minutes, so the nurse must remain with the client for close monitoring.

Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: The client’s condition (hypotension, tachycardia, history of melena) suggests GI bleeding and significant blood loss. RBC transfusion is required to restore oxygen-carrying capacity and improve perfusion.

Document the blood product transfusion in the client’s medical records: Proper documentation includes blood product type, volume infused, time started and completed, client response, and any adverse reactions. This ensures compliance with safety protocols.

Not Indicated:

Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution: Lactated Ringer’s (LR) is incompatible with blood products because it contains calcium, which can cause clotting in the IV line. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used instead.