The nurse prepares to insert an intravenous line in a client. What assessment(s) should the nurse perform to ensure the IV is placed in an appropriate location? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason:
Advocating for organ donation places the nurse’s values or the healthcare system’s needs above the client’s autonomy. Ethical nursing practice requires that organ donation decisions remain voluntary and free from pressure. The nurse must not promote or persuade the client to donate organs, especially at the end of life, as this may compromise ethical boundaries and trust.

Choice B reason:
While determining a client’s wishes is important, initiating discussions about organ donation is not the nurse’s responsibility unless the client independently expresses interest. Conversations about organ donation are typically handled by designated personnel to avoid coercion and ensure ethical compliance. The nurse should not independently consult the client about donation eligibility at the end of life.

Choice C reason:
Discussing organ donation with the family is also not the nurse’s role unless specifically directed by institutional policy and coordinated through the appropriate organ procurement organization. Introducing the topic directly may cause emotional distress and may be perceived as pressure during a vulnerable time.

Choice D reason:
The nurse’s primary responsibility at the end of life is to prioritize comfort care measures, including pain management, emotional support, and preservation of dignity. End-of-life nursing care focuses on alleviating suffering and supporting the client and family, regardless of organ donation eligibility. This action aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.

Choice A reason:
Amylase is an enzyme primarily associated with pancreatic function and salivary gland activity. It is not directly influenced by fluid balance and does not reliably reflect hydration status or fluid imbalances. Therefore, it is not expected to be affected.

Choice B reason:
Sodium levels are closely regulated by fluid balance. Fluid volume deficit or overload can cause dilutional or concentration changes in serum sodium levels. Hyponatremia or hypernatremia commonly occurs with fluid imbalances, making sodium a key laboratory value to monitor.

Choice C reason:
Urine specific gravity reflects the concentration of urine and is directly affected by hydration status. In fluid volume deficit, urine becomes more concentrated, resulting in increased specific gravity. In fluid volume overload, urine may be dilute with a decreased specific gravity.

Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen is influenced by renal perfusion and hydration status. In fluid volume deficit, decreased renal blood flow leads to elevated BUN levels. In fluid volume overload, BUN may be decreased due to hemodilution. Thus, BUN is commonly affected by fluid imbalance.

Choice E reason:
Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Fluid volume deficit causes hemoconcentration and increased hematocrit, while fluid volume overload leads to hemodilution and decreased hematocrit. This makes hematocrit a sensitive indicator of fluid imbalance.