A nurse is reinforcing teaching about anorexia with a client who has COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• 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.

A. "I will ask to have you assigned to a female nurse.": Respecting the client’s preference supports her autonomy, comfort, and dignity. Offering to accommodate her request shows sensitivity to her personal, cultural, or religious needs and helps maintain a trusting nurse-client relationship.

B. "I will get a female assistive personnel to provide your bath.": While providing a female assistive personnel for bathing might address part of the concern, it does not fully meet the client's expressed preference for all aspects of nursing care to be provided by a female nurse.

C. "You will need to speak with the nurse manager about this.": Asking the client to manage the reassignment request herself can seem dismissive. It is the nurse’s responsibility to advocate for the client and initiate steps to meet her needs whenever possible.

D. "I care for other female clients and they do not mind having a male nurse.": Comparing the client’s feelings to those of others invalidates her concerns and does not demonstrate respect for her individual preferences, which is essential in client-centered care.