The nurse is planning care for a patient who is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of a kidney stone. Which of the following interventions would the nurse implement?

Choice a reason: Preparing the client for surgery may be necessary if the urological obstruction requires surgical intervention. However, it is not the immediate priority. Before considering surgical preparation, the nurse must assess the client's current condition to determine the severity of the obstruction and its impact on vital signs and urine output.
Choice b reason: Providing emotional support to the client is important for overall care, but it is not the nurse's immediate priority in the case of a urological obstruction. Emotional support should be provided once the client's physical condition has been stabilized and assessed.
Choice c reason: Assessing vital signs and urine output is the nurse's priority in managing a client with a urological obstruction. Monitoring these parameters helps the nurse evaluate the severity of the obstruction, detect any signs of complications such as infection or renal failure, and guide further interventions. Immediate assessment ensures timely and appropriate management of the client's condition.
Choice d reason: Administering medication may be part of the client's treatment plan, but it is not the priority action. Medication administration should follow the assessment of the client's vital signs and urine output to ensure that the chosen interventions are appropriate for the client's current status. Prioritizing assessment allows for more targeted and effective treatment.

Choice a reason: The patient uses clean technique when instilling the dialysate is incorrect and requires additional teaching. Peritoneal dialysis requires sterile technique to prevent infection. Using a clean technique, which is less rigorous than sterile technique, increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the peritoneal cavity. Proper sterile technique involves meticulous hand hygiene, using sterile gloves, and ensuring all equipment and supplies are sterile.
Choice b reason: The patient performs exchanges on a table with a sterile drape is appropriate. Using a sterile drape helps maintain a sterile field and reduces the risk of contamination during the dialysis procedure. This practice is an important part of sterile technique and helps ensure the patient's safety.
Choice c reason: The patient verbally expresses symptoms to report to the HCP is a positive behavior. Being aware of and communicating symptoms that may indicate complications, such as signs of infection or peritonitis, is crucial for timely intervention and management. This practice shows the patient is knowledgeable about monitoring their health and knowing when to seek professional help.
Choice d reason: The patient washes their hands before beginning is an essential step in both clean and sterile techniques. Proper hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infection and is a fundamental practice in peritoneal dialysis. Washing hands thoroughly before starting the procedure helps minimize the risk of contamination.