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?

The correct answer is: d. Perform oropharyngeal suctioning.

Choice A: Irrigate the nasogastric tube with water

Reason: Irrigating the nasogastric tube with water is not appropriate when a client is choking and vomiting. This action could potentially worsen the situation by introducing more fluid into the stomach, increasing the risk of aspiration.

Choice B: Review the advance directive document

Reason: Reviewing the advance directive document is not an immediate action to take when a client is choking. Advance directives provide guidance on the client’s wishes for medical treatment but do not address acute emergency interventions.

Choice C: Elevate the head of bed 45 degrees

Reason: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can help reduce the risk of aspiration by using gravity to keep stomach contents down. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the immediate choking hazard.

Choice D: Perform oropharyngeal suctioning

Reason: Performing oropharyngeal suctioning is the correct action because it directly addresses the choking hazard by clearing the airway of vomit and other obstructions. This is a critical step to ensure the client’s airway is clear and they can breathe properly.

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.