A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a calcium level of 8 mg/dL. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

b. Paralytic ileus: Absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and no passage of flatus are characteristic signs of paralytic ileus, which is a temporary impairment of bowel motility following surgery.

c. Health care-associated Clostridium difficile: Clostridium difficile infection is associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention is not consistent with C. difficile infection.

d. Fecal impaction: Fecal impaction is characterized by a blockage of hardened stool in the

rectum or colon, leading to difficulty passing stool. It may cause abdominal discomfort, but it does not typically present with the absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention seen in paralytic ileus.

A. Request an order for an antiemetic - Checking vital signs is the priority before administering any medication. Antiemetics may be considered later, but the nurse needs to assess the client's overall condition first.

B. Request a dietary consult - Assessing vital signs comes before consulting for dietary issues.

The priority is to determine the client's immediate physiological status.

C. Check the client’s vital signs - This is the correct first action as it helps to evaluate the client's cardiovascular status, especially considering the potential toxicity of digoxin in the setting of

nausea and refusal of breakfast.

D. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal - While rest may be beneficial, assessing vital signs takes precedence to rule out any acute cardiovascular compromise.