A nurse is performing postmortem care for a client who was a devout Muslim. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Check a client's peripheral IV site for redness or swelling.
This task involves assessing the client's IV site for signs of complications. While it requires observation and reporting, it may involve some interpretation and judgment. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse.

B. Measure the intake and output of a client who has received furosemide.
Measuring intake and output is a routine task that involves quantifying the fluids a client consumes and eliminates. This is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) under the supervision and direction of the nurse.

C. Reinforce teaching with a client about crutch-gait walking.
Teaching requires a level of education, explanation, and clarification that goes beyond routine tasks. This is typically a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to an AP.

D. Assess the pain level of a client who has received acetaminophen.
Pain assessment involves subjective information, and determining the appropriate response may require clinical judgment. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse.

Choice A Reason:

Requesting a medication reconciliation form from the pharmacy is not the immediate step needed for a missed dose. Contacting the previous nurse provides more timely information.

Choice B Reason:

Asking the client if she received the 1700 medication is not the first action to take. The nurse should first investigate the missing documentation through collaboration with the healthcare team.

Choice C Reason:

Contacting the previous nurse to determine if the client received the medication is correct. Contacting the previous nurse is a reasonable and responsible step to gather information about the missed medication. The previous nurse may have insights into why the documentation is missing and whether the medication was administered.

It allows for collaboration and communication among healthcare providers, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information about the client's care. Administering the medication without clarification may lead to a potential double dose if the previous dose was indeed administered.

Choice D Reason:

Administering the medication and documenting the current time without confirming the missed dose could result in an inaccurate representation of the client's medication history and potential harm if the previous dose was already administered. It is crucial to gather information before taking further action.