The nurse is assessing a client who is one day postoperative parathyroidectomy and finds that the client is experiencing stridor. After notifying the healthcare provider (HCP), the nurse should prepare for which procedure?

Temperature: 98.9°F

• Neither Disease Process Nor Medication Use:
  The temperature is within normal range and does not indicate an infection or other abnormality.

Heart Rate: 112 beats per minute

• Disease Process:
  The elevated heart rate (tachycardia) is most likely due to the asthma attack, which increases respiratory effort and oxygen demand. Anxiety from the attack could also contribute.

Respirations: 28 breaths per minute

• Disease Process:
  The elevated respiratory rate (tachypnea) is consistent with the asthma attack and respiratory distress, a hallmark of the disease process.

Blood Pressure: 130/86 mmHg

• Neither Disease Process Nor Medication Use:
  This value is slightly elevated but not significantly enough to be directly attributed to asthma or medication. It could be situational due to stress or anxiety.

Oxygen Saturation: 88%

• Disease Process:
  The low oxygen saturation is indicative of hypoxemia caused by bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange during the asthma attack.

Choice A reason: Preparing the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin from the sliding scale instructions is not appropriate when the client's blood glucose level is low (56 mg/dL). Administering insulin at this point could further lower the blood glucose level, potentially leading to severe hypoglycemia. The priority is to raise the client's blood glucose level to a safe range.

Choice B reason: Giving the client six ounces of non-diet carbonated soda and instructing the client to drink it entirely is the correct first intervention. The client’s blood glucose level is significantly below the normal reference range (hypoglycemia). Administering a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as non-diet soda, helps to quickly increase the blood glucose level to a safer range. This intervention addresses the immediate need to correct the hypoglycemia and prevent potential complications such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Choice C reason: Collecting a blood specimen by venipuncture to send to the laboratory for serum glucose analysis is not the first intervention to implement. While laboratory confirmation of blood glucose levels can be important, the immediate priority is to treat the hypoglycemia. Delaying treatment to collect a laboratory specimen could result in worsening of the client's condition. Immediate administration of a fast-acting carbohydrate should be prioritized.

Choice D reason: Documenting the glucose reading in the electronic medical record (EMR) is important but not the first priority. While accurate documentation is necessary for ongoing care, the immediate intervention should focus on treating the hypoglycemia. Once the client's blood glucose level has been stabilized, the nurse can then document the reading and subsequent interventions in the EMR.