The nurse continues to care for the client.

Exhibits

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with psychosis or mania. Each finding may support more than one diagnosis.

Rationale:

A. I should visually monitor the client continuously when in mechanical restraints: Continuous visual monitoring is required when a client is placed in mechanical restraints to ensure safety, assess physical and psychological well-being, and promptly address any complications such as impaired circulation or distress.

B. I should ask the provider to write a prescription for mechanical restraints as needed: PRN (as needed) prescriptions for restraints are not permitted. A new, time-limited order must be obtained for each specific episode to ensure proper use and prevent misuse or overuse of restraints.

C. I should expect the provider to evaluate the client within 4 hours of restraint application: For adult clients, the provider must evaluate the client face-to-face within 1 hour of applying restraints, not 4 hours. This rule ensures timely review of the necessity and appropriateness of the intervention.

D. I should assess the client's skin integrity every 8 hours while in mechanical restraints: Skin integrity should be assessed at least every 2 hours or more frequently depending on facility policy. Waiting 8 hours increases the risk of skin breakdown and other complications.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Antibiotic prescription: The client is showing signs of a possible postoperative wound infection (fever, elevated WBC count, purulent discharge, tenderness), all of which warrant initiation of antibiotics to control local and systemic infection.
• WBC count: The WBC has increased significantly from 8,000/mm³ on day 1 to 14,800/mm³ by day 3, indicating a developing infectious or inflammatory process likely related to the surgical site.
• Temperature: The temperature has risen to 38.8°C (101.8°F) by day 3, suggesting a febrile response to infection, which aligns with the findings of purulent wound drainage and local tenderness.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Laxative: Although the client hasn’t had a bowel movement, this is expected early in the postoperative period, especially with hypoactive bowel sounds. Laxatives are contraindicated until full bowel function returns.
• IV fluids: There is no evidence of fluid volume deficit skin turgor is normal, and vital signs are stable making IV fluids unnecessary at this time.
• Prescription for IV iron: While hemoglobin is low, there is no evidence of acute blood loss, and infection is the more urgent concern. Iron supplementation would be a longer-term consideration.
• Bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are common after abdominal surgery and not in themselves a reason to start antibiotics.
• Blood pressure: Client's BP is stable and within acceptable range; it does not indicate infection or require antibiotic treatment.
• Skin turgor: Normal skin turgor suggests hydration is adequate, not an indication for antibiotic use.
• Transferrin level: While slightly decreased, this is a nonspecific finding and not indicative of acute infection or requiring antibiotics.
• Bowel movements: Absence of bowel movement alone post-surgery does not justify antibiotics; infection indicators are more critical.