A 6-week-old infant with poor weight gain is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?

Choice B reason: monitoring abdominal girth is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause portal hypertension, which is an increased pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. Portal hypertension can lead to ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The nurse should measure and record the abdominal girth daily and report any significant changes.

Choice C reason: reporting serum albumin and globulin levels is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can impair the synthesis of proteins, such as albumin and globulin, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance, immune function, and blood clotting. The nurse should monitor and report the serum albumin and globulin levels and administer supplements or transfusions as prescribed.

Choice D reason: noting signs of bleeding and edema is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause coagulopathy, which is a disorder of blood clotting, due to reduced production of clotting factors and increased consumption of platelets. Coagulopathy can lead to bleeding from various sites, such as the gums, nose, esophagus, stomach, or rectum. The nurse should observe and report any signs of bleeding and apply pressure or bandages as needed. Cirrhosis of the liver can also cause hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood, due to decreased synthesis or increased loss of albumin. Hypoalbuminemia can lead to edema, which is swelling caused by fluid retention in the tissues. The nurse should assess and report any signs of edema and elevate the affected limbs or apply compression stockings as indicated.

Choice E reason: limiting fluid intake to 1500 mL daily is an important intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. Fluid restriction can help prevent or reduce ascites and edema by decreasing the fluid load on the circulatory system and the kidneys. The nurse should measure and record the fluid intake and output and educate the client on how to limit their fluid intake.

Choice A reason: providing a diet low in phosphorus is not a specific intervention for a client with cirrhosis of the liver and end stage liver disease. A diet low in phosphorus may be indicated for clients with chronic kidney disease or hyperphosphatemia, but not for clients with cirrhosis of the liver. The nurse should provide a diet that is high in calories, carbohydrates, and protein, but low in sodium, fat, and alcohol for clients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because applying the client's positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Positive airway pressure device is a treatment that delivers pressurized air through a mask or nasal prongs to keep the upper airway open and prevent apnea episodes during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing due to partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The nurse should ensure that the device is fitted properly and functioning well.

Choice B reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle is not a sufficient intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce snoring and improve breathing by preventing the tongue and soft palate from falling back and obstructing the airway. However, it may not be enough to prevent apnea episodes in clients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or nasal congestion. The nurse should also use other interventions such as positive airway pressure device, weight loss, or surgery.

Choice C reason: Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Dentures or other oral appliances are devices that replace missing teeth or improve dental alignment. They may help improve speech, chewing, and appearance, but they do not have a direct impact on obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should instruct the client to remove dentures or other oral appliances before going to bed to prevent discomfort, infection, or damage.

Choice D reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is not a necessary intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. Side rails are bars that attach to the sides of the bed frame to prevent falls or injuries. They may provide safety and security for some clients, but they may also pose risks such as entrapment, strangulation, or agitation. The nurse should assess the need for side rails on an individual basis and consider alternative measures such as bed alarms, low beds, or floor mats.