A nurse is making client assignments for the next shift. The nurse should assign which of the following clients to the assistive personnel?

A. “I may notice an increase in the firmness of my breasts.”: During menopause, breasts typically become less firm and more fatty due to decreased estrogen levels. Loss of glandular tissue and changes in connective tissue elasticity cause breasts to feel softer, not firmer.

B. "My estrogen levels will elevate”: Estrogen levels decline significantly during menopause, not elevate. This hormonal decrease leads to many of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone density loss.

C. "I may experience more vaginal dryness.": Vaginal dryness is a common and expected symptom during menopause due to the reduction in estrogen. Lower estrogen levels cause thinning and decreased lubrication of the vaginal tissues, often resulting in discomfort during intercourse and increased risk of irritation or infection.

D. "I may become cold more often.": Clients undergoing menopause typically experience hot flashes and night sweats, not an increased tendency to feel cold. Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat and are one of the most recognized and frequent symptoms of menopausal transition.

• Temperature 35.3°C (95.5°F): Hypothermia following surgery is concerning because it may reflect poor perfusion, internal bleeding, or shock. Immediate warming measures and evaluation are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
• Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure is lower than previous values and indicates potential hypovolemia or ongoing blood loss. Hypotension post-surgery must be urgently addressed to avoid progression to shock.
• Skin cool and moist to touch: Cool, moist skin is an early clinical sign of decreased tissue perfusion and shock. When found alongside hypotension and hypothermia, it suggests that circulatory compromise may already be developing.
• Moderate amount of sanguineous drainage noted on lower dressing: Moderate bleeding post-laparoscopic surgery is abnormal. This finding, in combination with hypotension and other signs of poor perfusion, strongly suggests possible internal bleeding requiring urgent provider notification.
• Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and reduced gut motility. They are not an immediate sign of a critical complication unless accompanied by abdominal distension or severe pain, they should however be monitored.
• Heart rate 60/min: A heart rate of 60/min is at the lower limit of normal. Although 60/min is still technically within normal range, the trend of decreasing heart rate from baseline 90 beats/min, especially in the setting of hypotension and signs of poor perfusion, is concerning. This decline may indicate worsening hemodynamic status and must be monitored closely for further deterioration..
• Pedal pulse +1 bilateral: Diminished pedal pulses (+1) indicate reduced peripheral circulation. In isolation, it may not be critical, but when combined with hypotension and cool skin, it becomes part of the overall picture suggesting decreased perfusion and should be monitored carefully.