The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient with sepsis and has received orders from the physician. What order should the nurse implement first?

Choice A reason: Hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver, is not a typical finding in DIC. While DIC can affect multiple organs due to widespread microvascular thrombosis and bleeding, hepatomegaly is more commonly associated with other conditions such as liver diseases or congestive heart failure.

Choice B reason: Splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, is also not a common finding in DIC. Although the spleen can be involved in various hematologic disorders, DIC primarily affects the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, leading to bleeding and clotting issues rather than spleen enlargement.

Choice C reason: Anuria, or absence of urine production, can occur in severe cases of DIC due to acute kidney injury from microvascular thrombosis or bleeding. However, it is not as common a finding as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. Anuria indicates a critical state requiring immediate intervention but is not the primary expected finding in DIC.

Choice D reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a common finding in DIC. DIC involves widespread activation of the coagulation cascade leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding manifestations such as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. These signs indicate the body's inability to form stable clots and the presence of spontaneous bleeding.

Choice A reason: Assessing the client's respiratory status is the top priority action. This ensures that any immediate issues with breathing or oxygenation are identified and managed promptly. Respiratory status can quickly deteriorate in patients with heart failure, and addressing this first can be life-saving.

Choice B reason: Drawing blood to assess the patient's serum electrolytes is important to determine any imbalances that need immediate correction. Electrolyte levels can affect heart function and overall stability, so understanding the patient's current status helps guide further treatment.

Choice C reason: Administering the prescribed intravenous furosemide (Lasix) is critical for managing fluid overload in heart failure. Furosemide helps reduce fluid retention and alleviate symptoms such as pulmonary edema, which can improve respiratory status and overall comfort.

Choice D reason: Asking the patient about an advanced directive is important for understanding their wishes and planning care accordingly. However, it is not an immediate priority compared to stabilizing the patient's respiratory status and addressing urgent medical needs.