Temperature: 96.9 F (36.1 C) measured via internal probe via urinary catheter.

Heart rate: 128 beats/minute, sinus tachycardia (ST). Respirations: 14 breaths/minute.

Blood pressure: 90/79 mm Hg, pulse pressure less than 40 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation: 100% on 40% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). IV fluid bolus given as prescribed.

The client’s surgical dressing is clean and dry.

Ecchymosis is noted on the abdomen around the dressing.

The client has a peripheral intravenous (PIV) line in the right forearm and one in the left hand.

The client also has a right subclavian central venous catheter infusing propofol and intravenous fluids.

Heart sounds are regular.

The skin is pink.

Capillary refill is 6 seconds.

Radial pulses are equal bilaterally.

Lung sounds are clear and equal bilaterally.

The client has an indwelling urinary catheter in place.

No urine is noted.

The client has no visitors at this time.

The social worker is attempting to contact family members.

The client opens her eyes to verbal stimuli and follows verbal commands.

Based on these observations, what is the most appropriate nursing action?

Choice B rationale: Assessing the client's pain is crucial as the client becomes more aware. Pain management is essential for comfort and recovery. As the client wakes up, they may begin to experience pain and discomfort, which should be promptly addressed.

Choice F rationale: Determining the client’s decision-making ability is important as the client wakes up to assess their cognitive status and ability to participate in their own care decisions. This helps in planning further care and interventions appropriately.

Choice G rationale: Decreasing the noise and light stimuli in the room as much as possible helps to create a calm environment, which is important for a patient recovering from trauma and surgery. It helps reduce anxiety and agitation as the client becomes more aware of their surroundings.

Choice H rationale: Explaining all procedures is essential for the client’s understanding and cooperation. Clear communication helps reduce anxiety and ensures that the client knows what to expect, which is important for their overall comfort and trust in the healthcare team.

Choice A rationale: Increasing the propofol infusion is incorrect because it is necessary to assess the client’s awareness and response to the current sedation level. Over-sedating the client can delay recovery and obscure their neurological status.

Choice C rationale: Notifying the social worker the client is awake is not immediately necessary at this stage. The focus should be on the client's medical and physical condition first.

Choice D rationale: Having the client sign consent forms for procedures already performed is inappropriate because the client may not be in a suitable mental state to provide informed consent due to recent sedation and trauma.

Choice E rationale: Considering extubating the client is premature. The decision to extubate should be based on a thorough assessment of the client’s readiness, including their ability to maintain their airway and adequate ventilation.

Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin of 9.3 g/dL indicates that the client has anemia, likely due to blood loss from the injury. This low hemoglobin level suggests significant bleeding, which needs to be addressed to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues during surgery.

Choice B rationale: Prothrombin time of 11.5 seconds is within the normal range and does not indicate a critical issue that needs to be addressed before surgery. It suggests that the client's blood clotting mechanism is functioning properly.

Choice C rationale: Blood pressure of 90/48 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is a sign of shock or significant blood loss. It is critical to stabilize the client's blood pressure to ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs during surgery.

Choice D rationale: Heart rate of 110 beats/minute is elevated, which may be a response to pain, anxiety, or hypovolemia. While it is important to monitor, it is not as critical as addressing the hypotension and anemia before surgery.

Choice E rationale: Abdominal distention indicates potential internal bleeding or injury to abdominal organs. This needs to be addressed urgently, as it can lead to further complications and affect the outcome of the surgery.