The nurse is surprised to detect an elevated temperature (102 °F) in a patient scheduled for surgery. The patient has been afebrile and shows no other signs of being febrile. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

A. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions:

While changing the plan of care may be necessary, it should be based on a thorough reassessment. Simply changing the plan without understanding the reasons for inadequate pain relief may not lead to effective outcomes.

B. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.

Reassessment is a crucial step in the nursing process, especially when the desired outcomes are not achieved. By reassessing the client, the nurse can identify any factors contributing to the inadequate pain relief. This might include reevaluating the effectiveness of the current pain relief interventions, ensuring proper administration of medications, considering changes in the client's condition, or exploring any new factors affecting pain.

C. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing his pain:

Teaching is an important aspect, but in this case, reassessment takes precedence. Once the reasons for inadequate pain relief are determined, teaching can be tailored to address specific needs.

D. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours:

If the pain is not adequately controlled, waiting for another 24 hours without action may prolong the client's discomfort and delay appropriate interventions. Reassessment and prompt adjustments to the plan of care are crucial for effective pain management.

A. Lub-dub sounds:

This describes the normal heart sounds, with the "lub" representing the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves (S1) and the "dub" representing the closing of the aortic and pulmonic valves (S2). This is the typical and expected sound of a healthy heart.

B. Gentle blowing or swooshing noise:

This describes the characteristic sound of a heart murmur. Murmurs are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, and they are often described as a gentle blowing or swooshing noise heard between the normal heart sounds.

C. Scratchy, leathery heart noise:

This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart sounds are usually described in terms of tones, clicks, or swooshing rather than scratchy or leathery.

D. Abrupt, high-pitched snapping noise:

This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart murmurs are generally characterized by a more continuous, blowing, or swooshing quality, rather than abrupt, high-pitched snapping noises.