A nurse is caring for a large group of patients. She checks on her post-op patient and starts the IV fluids. While programing the pump the nurse is interrupted by another staff member. Three two hours later the nurse rounds and finds that the patient is short of breath, requiring more oxygen and has crackles in her lungs.

The nurse then realizes that the IV fluids were running at twice the ordered rate. What should the nurse do next?

A. Comatose:

Coma refers to a state of deep unconsciousness where the individual is unresponsive to stimuli, including pain or external stimulation. In the scenario described, the patient is not comatose because they can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name.

B. Awake and alert:

This term describes a state of full alertness and responsiveness to the environment. The patient in the scenario is not fully awake and alert since they appear drowsy most of the time and require external stimuli to be awakened.

C. Lethargic:

Lethargy is characterized by drowsiness, reduced alertness, and a sluggish response to stimuli. In the scenario, the patient is described as drowsy most of the time but can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name. This aligns with the characteristics of lethargy.

D. Stuporous:

Stupor is a state of reduced responsiveness where the individual can be aroused only by vigorous or painful stimuli. The patient in the scenario does not fit the criteria for stupor as they can be awakened by gentle shaking and calling their name.

A. Develop a plan of care for the client:

Developing a plan of care is essential, but it should be informed by the client's current condition, diagnosis, and code status. Documenting the code status is a foundational step.

B. Provide a schedule of visiting hours to the client’s family:

While facilitating family involvement is important, it is not the top priority during the initial admission assessment. Ensuring the client's safety and understanding their code status takes precedence.

C. Teach the client about his diagnosis:

Patient education is important, but in a critical situation, the priority is to assess and document key information, including the code status. Education can follow once the immediate priorities are addressed.

D. Document the client’s code status

When conducting the initial admission assessment for a critical client, the priority action is to document the client's code status. Code status refers to the set of directives given by the client or their legal representative regarding the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining measures in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Understanding and documenting the client's code status is crucial for informing the healthcare team about the client's preferences for resuscitation efforts. This information guides the team in providing care that aligns with the client's wishes and values.