A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has been taking digoxin 0.25 mg daily. The client refuses breakfast and reports nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Request a dietary consult:

While dietary concerns may be addressed, checking vital signs is the priority when a client reports nausea, especially in the context of medication administration.

B. Check the client's vital signs:

This is the correct action. Nausea can be a symptom of digoxin toxicity. Checking vital signs, especially assessing for changes in heart rate, is crucial in determining whether the client is experiencing adverse effects of digoxin.

C. Request an order for an antiemetic:

Administering an antiemetic may be considered later, but the first priority is to assess the client's vital signs and determine if the nausea is related to digoxin toxicity.

D. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal:

Resting before eating may be helpful for nausea, but the priority is to assess the client's vital signs and determine the cause of the nausea, especially in the context of digoxin use.

A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.

Indwelling urinary catheters come with their own set of risks and complications. It is generally not recommended to use them solely for the purpose of preventing falls unless there are other medical indications for their use. Catheters increase the risk of infection and other complications, and their use should be based on clear medical necessity.

B. Keep a night light on in the client's room.

This option directly addresses the client's concern about falling during the night. Providing a night light in the room helps to alleviate disorientation, making it safer for the client to navigate to the bathroom. It is a practical and non-invasive intervention.

C. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.

While using side rails can be a fall prevention measure, it's important to consider that they are not without risks. Side rails can lead to entrapment or injury if not used appropriately. In addition, telling the client to call for assistance is good advice, but relying solely on this instruction may not address the immediate concern of disorientation in new surroundings.

D. Limit the client's fluid intake in the evening.

While limiting fluid intake in the evening might reduce the frequency of bathroom trips, it is not the most appropriate response to the client's concern. Dehydration can lead to other health issues and should not be used as the primary strategy for fall prevention.