A nurse is providing care for a client who is 1-day postoperative following a below-the-knee amputation resulting from musculoskeletal trauma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Drink 8 oz of milk when hypoglycemia develops:
While consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate is important during hypoglycemia, 8 oz of milk may not be the most effective choice. Typically, glucose tablets or juice are recommended as they provide a quicker absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

B) Initiate a 1,400-calorie diet daily:
Caloric needs should be individualized based on the adolescent’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health. A fixed 1,400-calorie diet might not be appropriate for every adolescent and could lead to insufficient energy intake or excessive restriction.

C) Rotate the insulin injection site to a different area of the body with every other injection:
While rotating injection sites is important to prevent lipodystrophy, it is generally recommended to use different sites within the same area (such as different spots on the abdomen) rather than entirely different areas of the body with each injection. This ensures consistent absorption of insulin.

D) Keep unopened insulin refrigerated at 4.44° C (40° F):
Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its potency until it is ready to be used. This temperature range ensures the insulin remains stable and effective for use.

A) Measure the client's manifestations using an anxiety rating scale: This action is essential as the first step because it allows the nurse to accurately assess the severity of the client's anxiety. Understanding the level of anxiety helps in planning appropriate interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment provided. Accurate assessment is foundational in clinical decision making.

B) Initiate a referral to a local support group: While beneficial, referring the client to a support group should follow an initial assessment. Support groups can offer long-term benefits, but immediate needs and severity must be evaluated first.

C) Assist in finding alternative ways to cope: Helping the client develop coping strategies is an important intervention. However, before suggesting specific coping mechanisms, the nurse needs to understand the current level of anxiety and how it affects the client. This ensures that the coping strategies are appropriately tailored.

D) Administer an antianxiety medication: Administering medication can be crucial in managing severe anxiety, but this step should come after a thorough assessment. The nurse needs to determine if medication is necessary and what dosage might be appropriate, based on the anxiety rating scale and other assessment findings.