Days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects that the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because obtaining postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty is a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. Vital signs are measurements of the body's basic functions, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration. Vital signs should be monitored regularly after surgery to detect any signs of infection, bleeding, shock, or pain. The PN has the knowledge and skill to measure and record vital signs and report any abnormal findings to the nurse.

Choice B reason: This is a correct answer because performing daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy is a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. Surgical dressing is a material that covers and protects a wound from infection, bleeding, or contamination. Surgical dressing should be changed daily or as needed to keep the wound clean and dry and promote healing. The PN has the knowledge and skill to perform surgical dressing change using sterile technique and appropriate equipment and report any signs of wound infection or dehiscence to the nurse.

Choice C reason: Initiating patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps for two clients immediately postoperatively is not a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. PCA pump is a device that allows the client to self-administer pain medication through an IV line by pressing a button. PCA pump should be initiated by the nurse after verifying the prescription, setting the parameters, educating the client, and ensuring safety and effectiveness. The PN does not have the authority or competency to initiate PCA pump or adjust its settings.

Choice D reason: Starting the second blood transfusion for a client twelve hours following a below knee amputation is not a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. Blood transfusion is a procedure that delivers donated blood or blood products into the client's bloodstream through an IV line. Blood transfusion should be started by the nurse after verifying the prescription, checking the blood type and compatibility, obtaining informed consent, and monitoring for any adverse reactions. The PN does not have the authority or competency to start blood transfusion or manage its complications.

Choice E reason: This is a correct answer because monitoring a dose of warfarin per protocol for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a nursing action that can be assigned to the PN. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clots by inhibiting vitamin K dependent clotting factors. Warfarin should be monitored per protocol by checking the international normalized ratio (INR), which measures how long it takes for blood to clot. The PN has the knowledge and skill to monitor warfarin per protocol by obtaining blood samples, performing point-of-care testing, and reporting results to the nurse.

Choice A reason: Encourage rest until the analgesic becomes effective. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. The analgesic may take some time to relieve the pain, and forcing the client to lie down may increase the pressure on the pancreas and worsen the pain.

Choice B reason: Raise head of bed until at a 90 degree angle. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Raising the head of bed may help reduce abdominal distension and improve breathing, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice C reason: Place bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Placing the bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position may help shift the abdominal organs away from the pancreas and reduce inflammation, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice D reason: Position bedside table so the client can lean across it. This is the best intervention, as it addresses the client's preference and comfort level. Leaning forward may help decrease the tension on the pancreas and relieve the pain. The bedside table can provide support and stability for the client while sitting up.