A nurse is establishing a baseline postoperative assessment for a client who is recovering from a right femoropopliteal bypass graft. Which of the following findings in the assessment of the client's right leg should be of the most concern to the nurse?

The first action the nurse should plan to perform is to check the client's ability to use the call light. This is essential to ensure that the client can easily communicate with the healthcare team if they need assistance or experience a fall risk situation. By confirming the client's ability to use the call light, the nurse can address any potential communication barriers and ensure that the client has a means to request help promptly.

Explanation for the other options:

b) Document the client's risk in the medical record: While documenting the client's risk in the medical record is important, it is not the first action to be taken. Ensuring the client's immediate safety and ability to request assistance is the priority.

c) Request a referral for physical therapy: Referring the client for physical therapy may be a necessary step to address their impaired mobility and reduce fall risk, but it is not the first action to be performed. Assessing their ability to use the call light takes precedence in order to address immediate safety concerns.

d) Place a gait belt in the client's room: Providing a gait belt is a measure to assist with mobility and falls prevention. However, it should not be the first action. Checking the client's ability to use the call light is more critical to ensure their immediate safety and ability to request help.

b. A decreased level of consciousness and vomiting

Explanation:

When receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. This combination of symptoms suggests a potentially serious condition that requires immediate atention and assessment. It could indicate a neurological or gastrointestinal issue, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.

Explanation for the other options:

a. Cellulitis accompanied by a low-grade fever:

While cellulitis and a low-grade fever require atention, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client with altered consciousness and vomiting due to the potential for more urgent interventions.

c. A pain rating of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 after receiving analgesia 30 min ago:

Although the client's pain rating of 7 indicates ongoing pain, it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first address the client with altered consciousness to determine the cause and provide appropriate interventions before assessing and managing pain in other clients.

d. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL:

While elevated blood glucose levels in a client with type 2 diabetes require atention and management, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first assess the client with altered consciousness to identify the cause and provide prompt interventions.

In summary, when receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. These symptoms indicate a potentially serious condition requiring immediate assessment and intervention.