A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure and states, "I don't want to have this surgery anymore." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, indicating hypotension. This can signal volume depletion or active bleeding, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent shock or organ hypoperfusion.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dL and hematocrit of 27% indicate significant anemia, likely from gastrointestinal blood loss. Immediate follow-up is necessary to determine the source and provide interventions such as fluid resuscitation or transfusion.
• Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 118/min, demonstrating tachycardia. This may be compensatory for hypotension or blood loss, suggesting hemodynamic instability and requiring prompt monitoring and intervention.
• Stool results: Positive hemoccult indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which aligns with anemia and tachycardia. Identifying and managing the bleeding source is a priority to prevent further complications.
• Current medication: The client takes high-dose ibuprofen (800 mg three times daily), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal bleeding, contributing to the client’s current presentation and requiring immediate provider notification.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Temperature: The client’s temperature is 37.5° C (99.5° F), slightly elevated but not indicative of infection or immediate risk. Monitoring is appropriate but not urgent.
• WBC count: WBC is 6,700/mm³, within normal limits, indicating no current infection or acute inflammatory response. This does not require immediate follow-up.
• Respiratory rate: Respiratory rate is 18/min, within normal limits for an adult, and does not indicate acute respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is not necessary.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Prescribed medication: The client is taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that can cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and increased nighttime urination. These side effects increase the risk for falls, especially in older adults who may already have mobility limitations.
• Blood pressure readings: The client’s blood pressure dropped from sitting 138/84 mm Hg to standing 100/70 mm Hg, indicating orthostatic hypotension. This sudden decrease in blood pressure can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, all of which increase the likelihood of falls.
• Voiding pattern: The client reports waking 2–3 times per night to void. Nocturia increases fall risk because the client must get up in low-light conditions, potentially while drowsy, making them more susceptible to tripping or losing balance.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Gait: The client’s gait is steady, and no abnormalities were noted during assessment. While gait disturbances can increase fall risk, in this case, the client’s mobility does not currently contribute to risk.
• Reports of home environment: The client has already removed throw rugs and increased lighting, implementing effective fall prevention strategies at home. Therefore, the home environment does not currently place the client at increased risk for falls.