The practical nurse (PN) identifies an electrolyte imbalance, an elevated blood pressure, and exhibited changes in mental status for a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which intervention in the plan of care should the PN implement?

A. Place the suppository high in the rectum: Inserting the suppository high in the rectum ensures that it is positioned beyond the anal sphincter, where it can be effectively absorbed. Proper placement maximizes the medication's effect and prevents expulsion, which is critical for achieving pain relief and antispasmodic benefits after prostate surgery.
B. Allow the suppository to soften before insertion: Allowing the suppository to soften may make it difficult to insert and can result in incomplete delivery of the medication. A firm suppository is easier to insert properly and ensures accurate medication placement and effectiveness.
C. Freeze the suppository prior to insertion: Freezing the suppository is not recommended because it can make it too hard and sharp, potentially causing trauma to delicate rectal tissues, especially in a postoperative client who may already have increased sensitivity and healing tissues.
D. Avoid use of a lubricant with insertion of the suppository: Using a water-soluble lubricant is important during suppository insertion to minimize mucosal trauma and facilitate smoother placement. Avoiding lubrication can cause unnecessary discomfort and increase the risk of rectal injury.

A. Notify the charge nurse: Notifying the charge nurse would be appropriate if the discrepancy persists after troubleshooting. However, first steps should involve checking the equipment to rule out technical errors before escalating the concern.
B. Reposition the oximeter clip: A discrepancy between the manual pulse and the pulse oximeter reading often indicates a technical issue, such as poor sensor placement or poor perfusion. Repositioning the oximeter clip ensures accurate data collection before proceeding with further interventions.
C. Document the conflicting data: Documentation is important, but before recording inconsistent or potentially inaccurate findings, the nurse should first validate the data by ensuring correct technique and equipment function.
D. Measure the blood pressure: Measuring blood pressure is part of a full vital signs assessment but does not address the immediate concern of conflicting pulse readings. Equipment issues must be corrected first to ensure all vital signs are accurate.