A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. One of the client's family members tells the nurse, "I need to help. What can I do?" Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat is correct. This action is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the SaO2 reading. Sometimes, minor obstructions or secretions in the airway can momentarily affect the oxygen saturation readings. Having the client cough and clear their throat may help improve the SaO2 readings by clearing any temporary blockages.

Choice B Reason:

Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record is incorrect. While reviewing the client's history is important, the immediate priority is to verify the current SaO2 level for accuracy before taking further action.

Choice C Reason:

Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition is incorrect. While it might eventually be necessary to inform other healthcare team members, the immediate action should focus on rechecking the SaO2 level to ensure the client's current oxygen saturation status.

Choice D Reason:

Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered is incorrect. Knowing the client's recent medications is important for assessment, but it may not directly address the current situation of shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Rechecking the SaO2 level takes precedence in this acute situation.

Choice A Reason:

"I might have headaches due to a decline in my estrogen levels." Is appropriate. During perimenopause, fluctuations and eventual decline in estrogen levels can contribute to various symptoms, including headaches or migraines, due to hormonal changes. This statement reflects an awareness of one of the possible effects of changing hormone levels during this stage.

Choice B Reason:

"The best time to perform a breast self-examination is on the first day of my period." Is not appropriate. While performing a breast self-examination regularly is essential for breast health, the first day of the period isn't necessarily the "best" time for everyone. It's more advisable to choose a consistent day each month that is convenient and easy to remember.

Choice C Reason:

"I can expect to have regular periods until I am in menopause." Is not appropriate. Perimenopause is characterized by irregular periods, which means that during this transitional phase, menstrual cycles often become less predictable in terms of timing, duration, and flow. Irregular periods are a hallmark of perimenopause, so expecting regularity until menopause is not accurate.

Choice D Reason:

"I should stop receiving Papanicolaou tests once I reach menopause." Is not appropriate. Papanicolaou (Pap) tests are essential for detecting cervical abnormalities, regardless of menopausal status. Women should continue to have regular Pap tests according to their healthcare provider's recommendations, as the risk of cervical cancer persists even after menopause.