A nurse is reviewing the results of electrocardiography monitoring for a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Obtain bottles of warm, sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution: Evisceration requires immediate coverage of the exposed organs with sterile, saline-moistened dressings to prevent drying and infection. Using warm saline helps maintain tissue viability and minimizes damage.

B. Apply a firm pressure dressing across the client's abdomen: A firm pressure dressing is inappropriate, as it could cause further damage to the eviscerated organs and increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to ischemia or perforation.

C. Attempt to reinsert the protruding viscera: Reinserting the eviscerated organs is contraindicated due to the high risk of contamination, trauma, and further complications. The nurse should instead protect the organs with moist dressings and prepare the client for emergency surgery.

D. Place the client in left lateral recumbent position: The client should be placed in a low Fowler’s position with knees slightly flexed to reduce tension on the abdominal wound and prevent further protrusion of organs. A left lateral recumbent position does not provide the same benefit.

Indication of potential improvement:
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Lung sounds clear

Indication of potential worsening condition:
• WBC count 11,800/mm³
• Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• Weight 113 kg (249 lb)
• Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL

Rationale:

• Shortness of breath with exertion: Previously, the client had dyspnea at rest. Improvement to exertional dyspnea suggests better fluid balance and cardiac function.

• Lung sounds clear: The initial presence of crackles indicated pulmonary congestion. Clear lung sounds suggest reduced fluid overload, reflecting improved cardiac function.

• WBC count 11,800/mm³: An increasing WBC count suggests a possible infection, which can worsen heart failure by increasing metabolic demands and fluid retention.

• Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F): Fever indicates a possible infection, such as a UTI, which the client has a history of. Infections can exacerbate heart failure by triggering systemic inflammation and fluid shifts.

• Weight 113 kg (249 lb): Weight gain in heart failure is often due to fluid retention, indicating worsening congestion.

• Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL: A rising creatinine level suggests worsening kidney function, which may result from reduced perfusion due to heart failure or excessive diuresis from furosemide.