The nurse is caring for four clients:

• Client A, who has emphysema and whose oxygen saturation is 94% on room air;
• Client B, with a postoperative hemoglobin of 8.2 mg/dL (82 g/L);
• Client C, newly admitted with a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L);
• Client D, scheduled for an appendectomy who has a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14,000 mm3 (14 x 109/L).

Which intervention should the nurse implement?Reference Range:

• Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]
• Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]
• White Blood Cell [5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

Rationale

A. Children, especially infants, should not be given aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect the liver and brain.

B. This instruction is unnecessary and overly restrictive. It is not typically required to keep a healthy infant home from daycare after receiving routine vaccinations. Most infants tolerate vaccines well and are not contagious from the vaccines themselves.

C. This instruction is overly cautious. Fever after vaccinations is common and usually mild. A low-grade fever (temperature over 100.4°F or 38°C) is a common side effect of vaccinations and can be managed with appropriate measures such as giving extra fluids and using acetaminophen if recommended by the healthcare provider.

D. Applying a cool pack directly to the injection site can help relieve discomfort to the injection skin. Instead, gentle comforting measures such as cuddling or applying a clean, cool cloth to the area may help soothe discomfort.

Rationale

The client is experiencing significant psychological distress characterized by intrusive thoughts and memories related to the traumatic event (house collapsing during a hurricane). These thoughts are causing her difficulty in falling asleep and impacting her emotional well-being. Her statement about feeling unable to get out of a "funk" suggests that she may be experiencing symptoms of acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's crucial to address her psychological distress promptly to provide support and prevent exacerbation of her symptoms.

Sleep Difficulties: The client requests sleeping medication due to her difficulty in falling asleep. Sleep disturbances are common after experiencing a traumatic event and can further contribute to emotional distress and hinder recovery. It's important to assess her sleep patterns and consider appropriate interventions, such as pharmacological sleep aids under medical supervision, to help her achieve adequate restorative sleep.

Environment: The client expresses a preference for a quieter area of the unit away from constant noise (talking and alarms). Hospital environments can be noisy and disruptive, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep difficulties. Ensuring she is in a quieter environment or making adjustments to minimize noise near her can improve her comfort and facilitate better sleep, which is essential for recovery and emotional well-being.