A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.The nurse notes that the client's blood pressure has decreased from 134/90 to 100/56 mm Hg and urine output is 20 mL for this past hour.Which action should the nurse take?

Question

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The nurse should first fully assess the client for signs of volume depletion and shock,and then notify the provider.The radical nature of the surgery and the proximity of the surgery to the adrenal gland put the client at risk for hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency.Hypotension is a clinical manifestation associated with both hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency.Hypotension is particularly dangerous for the remaining kidney,which must receive adequate perfusion to function effectively.Re-positioning the client,measuring specific gravity,and administering pain medication would not provide data necessary to make an appropriate clinical decision,nor are they appropriate interventions at this time.

A Nurse Assesses a Client Who Is Recovering from a Radical