A nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson’s disease who has difficulty using utensils during meals. Which interdisciplinary team member should the nurse recommend for a referral?

Choice A rationale: The abdominal findings require follow-up. The client reports mild abdominal pain, rating it as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10, and states they haven’t had a bowel movement in 4 days. Additionally, the physical exam reveals tenderness to palpation and high-pitched bowel sounds in the gastrointestinal area. The CT scan indicates an obstruction in the small intestine, as evidenced by distention with fluid and gas in the small intestine and the absence of gas in the colon. These symptoms suggest a significant gastrointestinal issue that needs further evaluation and management.

Choice B rationale: The BUN level also requires follow-up. The BUN level is elevated at 25 mg/dL, which is above the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL. This could indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction, especially in the context of the client’s symptoms and dry mucous membranes. Elevated BUN levels can be caused by a high-protein diet, dehydration, certain medications, and a variety of medical conditions, including kidney disease.

Choice C rationale: The blood pressure requires follow-up. The client’s blood pressure is low at 92/60 mm Hg. This, combined with an elevated pulse of 106/min, could indicate hypovolemia or dehydration, especially given the client’s vomiting and lack of bowel movements. Hypovolemia refers to a decrease in the volume of blood in the body, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including dehydration, severe burns, and excessive sweating. Hypovolemia can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure).

Choice D rationale: The breath sounds do not require follow-up. The respiratory examination reveals bilateral breath sounds clear, which is within the normal range. Clear breath sounds indicate that air is flowing smoothly through the bronchial tubes and lungs without obstruction, which is a positive sign.

Choice E rationale: The WBC count does not require follow-up. The WBC count is 9,000/mm, which is within the normal range of 5,000 to

Choice F rationale. Potassium level: The potassium level is low at 3.3 mEq/L (normal range: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L), which can be concerning and may need correction to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

Comparing the current blood pressure reading to the preoperative value is the first step the nurse should take. This will help determine if the patient’s blood pressure has significantly dropped, which could indicate hypovolemia or shock.

Choice B rationale

Covering the patient with a warm blanket may be helpful if the patient is feeling cold or showing signs of hypothermia, but it would not address the underlying cause of the low blood pressure.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the IV flow rate might be necessary if the patient is hypovolemic, but this decision should be based on additional assessment data and physician orders.

Choice D rationale

Reassuring the patient is important, but it should not be the first action. The nurse needs to assess and address the cause of the low blood pressure.