In assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation, the nurse notes that she has a slightly elevated total T4 with a slightly enlarged thyroid, a hematocrit of 28% (0.28 volume fraction), a heart rate of 92 beats per minute, and a systolic murmur. Which finding requires follow-up?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit [37% to 47% (0.37 to 0.47 volume fraction)]

A functional assessment is an evaluation of an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility. Falls are a common and significant issue among older adults and are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to assess the client's risk of falling and inquire about any recent falls to develop an appropriate plan of care to prevent falls.

Encouraging the client to lie as still as possible during the assessment is not appropriate as it may not provide an accurate evaluation of the client's ability to perform ADLs.

Additionally, it is important to assess the client's functional status in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.

Assisting the client with values clarification about end-of-life care options is not appropriate during a functional assessment as it is not directly related to the client's ability to perform ADLs.

Asking the client how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is not appropriate during a functional assessment as sundowning is a symptom of dementia and is not directly related to the client's ability to perform ADLs.

A.While pain management is important, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring for bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

B.Teaching the client how to use incentive spirometry is important for improving lung function and preventing complications like atelectasis. However, in the context of a pulmonary embolism (PE), the immediate priority is to monitor for signs of increased bleeding due to the anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy often used to treat PE. This is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

C.Confusion and restlessness could indicate hypoxia, which is important to monitor in a PE patient. However, the immediate risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation therapy takes precedence.

D.Patients with a pulmonary embolism are typically treated with thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation and to help dissolve the existing clot. Anticoagulants significantly increase the risk of bleeding, making it crucial to monitor for signs of increased bleeding as a priority in the plan of care.