The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is providing a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client. The UAP is soaking the client’s foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed. Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A: Have the client hold a pillow over the abdomen to cough and deep breathe is not the most important instruction because it is not related to repositioning. This is a good practice to prevent respiratory complications after surgery, but it can be done at any time.

Choice B: Encourage the client to eat all of the meals that are sent is not the most important instruction because it is not related to repositioning. This is a good practice to promote nutrition and healing after surgery, but it can be done at any time.

Choice C: Offer fruit juice at least twice during both the day and evening shifts is not the most important instruction because it is not related to repositioning. This is a good practice to prevent dehydration and constipation after surgery, but it can be done at any time.

Choice D: Lower the bed prior to helping the client to move up in bed is the most important instruction because it reduces the risk of injury and falls for both the client and the UAP. This is a safety measure that should be done before any repositioning.

Choice A: Lead the client in guided imagery

This is a correct choice because guided imagery is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce pain and anxiety by creating a relaxing mental image for the client. Guided imagery can also lower the heart rate and blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Choice B: Give a dose of 2.5 mg of Morphine

This is an incorrect choice because morphine is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia. The client's heart rate is already elevated, which could indicate inadequate pain relief or anxiety. Giving more morphine could worsen the client's condition and mask the underlying cause of the pain.

Choice C: Assist the client to walk around the room

This is an incorrect choice because walking around the room could increase the client's pain and heart rate by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. The client has already done ambulation exercises with physical therapy at 1200, so there is no need to repeat them at 1400. The client should be allowed to rest in bed and conserve energy.

Choice D: Assess for sources of pain other than the surgical site

This is a correct choice because the nurse should always assess the client holistically and rule out any other potential causes of pain, such as infection, inflammation, or ischemia. The nurse should also check the surgical site for any signs of bleeding, hematoma, or infection. The nurse should use a comprehensive pain assessment tool that includes the location, intensity, quality, duration, frequency, and aggravating and relieving factors of the pain.

Choice E: Consult with the surgeon about the pain level

This is a correct choice because the nurse should collaborate with the surgeon and other members of the health care team to provide optimal pain management for the client. The nurse should report the client's pain score, vital signs, medication administration, and response to interventions. The surgeon may order additional tests or medications to address the cause of the pain and improve the client's comfort.