The nurse is assessing a post-operative client and notices that the client's urine is brown and they are experiencing muscle rigidity. The vital signs are T: 102.5 F; HR: 112; RR: 20 and BP 124/84. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Choice a reason:
Including yogurt in the diet can be beneficial for a client experiencing diarrhea related to antibiotic therapy. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. These probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut that antibiotics may have disrupted, potentially reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea. However, it's important to choose yogurts that contain active probiotics and to be aware that some individuals may not tolerate dairy well during a bout of diarrhea.

Choice b reason:
Administering famotidine 20 mg daily may help with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcers but is not directly related to treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not typically used as a treatment for diarrhea. It should be noted that if a patient is experiencing severe diarrhea, the underlying cause should be addressed rather than just managing symptoms.

Choice c reason:
Testing stool for occult blood is generally not a standard intervention for antibiotic-related diarrhea unless there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding or an infection like C. difficile, which can cause more severe colitis. Occult blood tests are more commonly used for screening for colorectal cancer or diagnosing conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice d reason:
Arranging for IV administration of the antibiotic instead of the oral route may be considered if the client has severe diarrhea that prevents the absorption of oral medications or if the client is unable to tolerate oral intake[^10^]¹¹¹²¹³¹⁴. However, many antibiotics have excellent oral bioavailability, and switching from IV to oral antibiotics when appropriate can be just as effective and is often preferred due to convenience and lower risk of complications.

Choice A Reason:
Bright lighting can be overwhelming for clients experiencing perceptual alterations. While regular checks on the client's mental status are important, excessive brightness can exacerbate sensory overload. The goal is to create an environment that is calming and reduces sensory stimuli to manageable levels.

Choice B Reason:
Keeping the lights dim may help to soothe some clients, but continuous noise from a radio can contribute to sensory overload. It's crucial to tailor the environment to the individual needs of the client, which often means providing a quiet space with minimal auditory distractions.

Choice C Reason:
Having the client sit by the nurse's desk may provide necessary supervision, but it can also expose the client to high levels of activity and noise, which can be disorienting. Rest periods with the television on can be distracting and may not offer the tranquil environment needed for a client with perceptual alterations.

Choice D Reason:
Providing a well-lit room without glare or shadows and limiting noise is the most appropriate environmental change for a client with perceptual alterations. This approach helps to reduce the risk of misperceptions and hallucinations, which can be triggered by shadows and glare. A quiet and well-lit environment supports better sensory processing and helps to maintain orientation.