During routine suctioning of a client with an endotracheal tube, the patient becomes diaphoretic and nauseous, and the heart rate decreases to 39 beats/min. What is the nurse's best action at this time?

Choice A reason:

A serum blood glucose level of 128 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not immediately concerning in the context of organ donation. Blood glucose levels can be managed with insulin if necessary, and this value does not indicate an acute issue requiring immediate intervention.

Choice B reason:

A blood pressure of 83/51 mmHg is critically low and requires immediate action. Low blood pressure can compromise organ perfusion and oxygen delivery, potentially leading to organ damage. In the context of organ donation, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure is essential to ensure the viability of the organs for transplantation.

Choice C reason:

A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Hemoglobin levels are important for oxygen-carrying capacity but are not the priority concern six hours before organ harvesting if the value is within normal limits.

Choice D reason:

A core body temperature of 97.8 degrees F is slightly below normal but not immediately alarming. Mild hypothermia can be addressed with warming measures, and this temperature does not indicate a critical issue that requires urgent action.

Choice A reason:

While an increased respiratory rate can indicate a compensatory response to shock, it does not directly measure tissue perfusion. It suggests the body is attempting to improve oxygen delivery, but it is not a definitive indicator of adequate tissue perfusion.

Choice B reason:

+1 pedal pulses can indicate decreased perfusion to the extremities, but they do not provide comprehensive information about overall tissue perfusion. Peripheral pulses can be weak in shock due to vasoconstriction and poor circulation, but they are not the most reliable indicator of tissue perfusion.

Choice C reason:

Body temperature is not a direct measure of tissue perfusion. While it is important to monitor, changes in temperature can result from various factors and do not specifically reflect the adequacy of tissue perfusion.

Choice D reason:

Urine output greater than 40 cc/hr is a key indicator of adequate tissue perfusion. The kidneys are highly sensitive to changes in perfusion, and adequate urine output suggests that the kidneys are receiving sufficient blood flow to filter and excrete waste products. Monitoring urine output is a standard practice in assessing tissue perfusion and overall fluid balance in shock patients.