The medical-surgical nurse is caring for a client postoperatively after a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse is calculating the client's intake and output and notes a total of 100 mL of sanguineous drainage out of the hip drain in the 24 hours since surgery. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Choice A reason: Administering pain medication as ordered is not the best action, as it does not address the cause of the new onset of pain. The nurse should first assess the client and the surgical site to rule out any complications or problems that may require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: Assessing the client for signs and symptoms of systemic infection is not the best action, as it is not the most likely cause of the new onset of pain. Systemic infection would manifest with fever, chills, malaise, or leukocytosis, which are not mentioned in the scenario. The nurse should focus on the local signs and symptoms of the surgical site and the affected extremity.

Choice C reason: Assessing the surgical site and the affected extremity is the best action, as it allows the nurse to identify any potential complications or problems that may explain the new onset of pain. The nurse should look for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, hematoma, or dislocation of the hip prosthesis, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, bruising, or deformity.

Choice D reason: Reassuring the client that pain is a direct result of increased activity is not the best action, as it may dismiss the client's concern and delay the detection of any serious complications or problems. The nurse should not assume that the pain is normal or expected, but rather investigate the cause and severity of the pain.

Choice E reason: Notifying the surgeon immediately is not the best action, as it is premature and unnecessary without first assessing the client and the surgical site. The nurse should gather relevant data and information before contacting the surgeon, unless there is an obvious or urgent problem that requires immediate attention.

Choice A reason: Calcitriol (Fortica) is not the medication that will have the least effect in increasing the client's bone mass, as it is a synthetic form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Calcitriol also regulates the bone remodeling and prevents the bone resorption.

Choice B reason: Calcium (Caltrate) with Vitamin D (Caltria) is not the medication that will have the least effect in increasing the client's bone mass, as it is a combination of calcium and vitamin D that works synergistically to enhance the bone density and strength. Calcium is the main mineral component of the bone, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Choice C reason: Alendronate (Fosamax) is not the medication that will have the least effect in increasing the client's bone mass, as it is a bisphosphonate that inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, which are the cells that break down the bone. Alendronate reduces the bone loss and increases the bone mass, and it is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

Choice D reason: Calcium (Caltrate) without Vitamin D (Calcio) is the medication that will have the least effect in increasing the client's bone mass, as it is a calcium supplement that does not contain vitamin D, which is necessary for the calcium absorption and utilization. Calcium alone may not be sufficient to prevent or treat osteoporosis, and it may also cause side effects such as constipation, kidney stones, or hypercalcemia.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the medication that will have the least effect in increasing the client's bone mass.