Nurses' Notes Postoperative Day 3 0900:

The client reports pain at the surgical incision site as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client reports bladder fullness. Perineal dressing intact with minimal serosanguinous drainage. The client transferred out of bed to a chair independently. Extremities cool and dry with 2+ peripheral pulses.

1300:

The client reports abdominal cramping and small, hard, painful bowel movements after lunch. Ambulating independently in the hallway. Reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. Urinary catheter intact with 100 mL/hr. of pink urine.

Select the 2 actions the nurse should prepare to take for the client.

A.Restraints should be released more frequently, typically every 2 hours, to assess circulation, skin integrity, and range of motion, and to provide an opportunity for toileting and other needs.

B.It is essential to document the specific behaviors that led to the use of restraints, as this provides a clear rationale for why the restraints were necessary. This documentation is important for legal and clinical reasons and helps ensure that restraints are used appropriately and only when absolutely necessary.

C.Clients are not required to provide written consent for the use of restraints, especially in situations where restraints are necessary to protect the client or others from immediate harm. However, the nurse must follow the facility's protocol, which usually involves obtaining a physician's order and documenting the justification for the restraint use.

D.The nurse should check the client's status more frequently, typically every 15 minutes, to ensure the client's safety and well-being while in restraints.

A. Correct. Observing the client during and after meals is a priority because clients with bulimia nervosa often engage in episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors. Monitoring the client's behavior during meals and immediately after can help assess for potential purging behaviors.
B. Incorrect. While involving the client in meal planning might be helpful, it is not the first action to address potential purging behaviors.
C. Incorrect. Instructing the client about effective coping strategies is important, but observing for potential purging behaviors is the initial action to address the client's immediate safety.
D. Incorrect. Referring the client to a support group is beneficial, but it is not the first action to address the client's immediate risk of purging behaviors.