The nurse is caring for a client with a fluid volume deficit and hypovolemia. What actions can the nurse take without a physician's order?

A. Serum K+ 3.6 mEq/L: Serum potassium (K+) level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and does not specifically validate fluid volume excess. Serum electrolyte levels can be affected by various factors, including hydration status, renal function, and medications. While hypokalemia (low potassium) may be associated with conditions such as diuretic use or excessive fluid loss, it is not a definitive indicator of fluid volume excess.

B. Urine specific gravity of 1.012: Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in the urine and can provide information about the client's hydration status. A specific gravity of 1.012 is within the normal range (typically 1.005 to 1.030), indicating that the urine is neither extremely concentrated nor dilute. While changes in urine specific gravity may suggest alterations in fluid balance, a single measurement alone may not be sufficient to validate the client's fluid status, especially in the context of fluid volume excess.

C. Respiratory rate 18: A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for adults (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not specifically indicate fluid volume excess. Changes in respiratory rate may occur in response to various factors, including respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic conditions, but it is not a direct indicator of fluid volume status.

D. +4 Pedal Pulses:

The presence of +4 pedal pulses indicates strong, bounding pulses in the feet. This finding suggests adequate perfusion to the peripheral extremities, which may indicate an appropriate fluid balance. In clients with fluid volume excess, maintaining adequate perfusion to peripheral tissues is essential to prevent complications such as peripheral edema and impaired tissue oxygenation. Strong pedal pulses suggest that perfusion to the lower extremities is not compromised due to hypovolemia or decreased cardiac output, which can be associated with fluid volume deficit.

A. Draw a straight line through the error with a black ink pen and initial it: This is the correct action to take when making an error while documenting in the client's chart. Drawing a single line through the error with a black ink pen ensures that the original information remains visible for auditing purposes. The nurse should then write the correct information above or adjacent to the error, initial the correction, and include the date and time. This method maintains the integrity of the documentation while clearly indicating that an error was made and corrected.

B. Use a permanent marker to draw a line through the error and write "mistaken entry": Using a permanent marker is not appropriate because it can make the chart difficult to read and may obscure the original information. Additionally, writing "mistaken entry" does not provide sufficient clarification regarding the nature of the error or the correction made.

C. Cover the mistake with correction fluid and skip a line: Using correction fluid to cover the mistake is not recommended because it can make the chart appear altered or tampered with. Skipping a line does not adequately address the error and correction, and it may lead to confusion when reviewing the documentation.

D. Erase the error and write the correct information: Erasures are not recommended in documentation as they can be perceived as altering or tampering with the chart. Additionally, erasing information may not completely remove it from the chart, and it may still be legible under certain lighting conditions or with the use of special equipment.