A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and is undergoing a nonstress test (NST). The test is nonreactive. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest based on the findings?

A. Confusion can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia, but it is not the most common or specific symptom associated with elevated potassium levels. More typical symptoms are related to muscle and gastrointestinal function.
B. Abdominal cramps are a common finding in clients with hyperkalemia (potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L). Elevated potassium can lead to increased gastrointestinal motility and irritability, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
C. Positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and is not associated with hyperkalemia. This sign reflects increased neuromuscular excitability due to low calcium levels, so it would not be expected in this scenario.
D. Decreased bowel motility is typically associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause increased bowel motility and may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and cramping. Therefore, decreased bowel motility would not be an expected finding in this case.

A. Medical health insurance claims. While insurance coverage is important for referral approval, the physical therapist primarily requires clinical information related to the client's mobility and functional status. Insurance details are handled by administrative staff rather than included in the clinical referral.
B. Physical assessment findings. The physical therapist needs relevant assessment findings, such as muscle strength, range of motion, balance, gait, and mobility limitations. These details help guide therapy goals and interventions to improve the client’s functional abilities.
C. Family medical history. While family history is useful for identifying genetic predispositions to conditions, it is not essential for a physical therapy referral. The focus should be on the client’s current physical status rather than hereditary factors.
D. Medications taken prior to admission. Although a client’s medication history is important for overall care, it is not the primary concern for a physical therapy referral unless specific medications affect mobility, such as muscle relaxants or sedatives. The therapist will rely more on current physical assessment findings to determine appropriate interventions.