A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postoperative following a left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following laboratory values indicates the nurse should notify the provider?

Choice a is not correct because providing an alcohol-based mouthwash is an action that the nurse should avoid when caring for a client who has stomatitis. Alcohol can dry and irritate the oral mucosa and worsen the condition.

Choice b is not correct because minimizing the use of gravies and sauces is not an action that the nurse should take to help manage stomatitis. Gravies and sauces can help moisten dry foods and make them easier to swallow for a client who has stomatitis.

Choice d is not correct because discouraging drinking with a straw is not an action that the nurse should take to help manage stomatitis. Drinking with a straw can help prevent contact between fluids and sore areas of the mouth and reduce pain for a client who has stomatitis.

Choice A reason: Using analgesia around the clock is an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the principle of prevention rather than rescue when managing pain for a client who has terminal cancer. The nurse should administer analgesics on a regular schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief and prevent breakthrough pain.

Choice B reason: Applying pain patches each morning and removing them at bedtime is not an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and removing pain patches. Some patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours, while others are worn for 72 hours. Removing the patches too soon can cause inadequate pain control and withdrawal symptoms.

Choice C reason: Using intramuscular medications to control pain is not an appropriate action. The nurse should avoid using intramuscular route for administering analgesics to a client who has terminal cancer. Intramuscular injections are painful, unreliable, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should use oral, transdermal, or subcutaneous routes whenever possible.

Choice D reason: Decreasing a medication dose if the client develops tolerance is not an appropriate action. The nurse should understand that tolerance is a normal physiological response to long-term opioid use and does not indicate addiction or abuse. The nurse should adjust the medication dose according to the client's level of pain and response to treatment.