Question

a nurse is planning care for a client who has hgb 7.5 g/dl and hct 21.5%. which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care? select all that apply. a provide assistance with ambulation. b monitor oxygen saturation. c weigh the client weekly. d obtain stool specimen for occult blood. e schedule daily rest periods.

Explanation:

• Option A: A client with low hemoglobin (Hgb \(7.5\ g/dL\), normal range for adult females \(12 - 15.5\ g/dL\), adult males \(13.5 - 17.5\ g/dL\)) and hematocrit (Hct \(21.5\%\), normal range for adult females \(37 - 47\%\), adult males \(40 - 52\%\)) is at risk of fatigue and falls due to anemia - related weakness. Assisting with ambulation helps prevent falls.
• Option B: Anemic clients have reduced oxygen - carrying capacity of the blood. Monitoring oxygen saturation (\(SpO_2\)) helps detect hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) early.
• Option C: Weighing the client weekly is not a priority intervention for anemia. Fluid balance (which could be monitored by daily weights in some cases like heart failure - related issues) is not the main concern here. The priority is addressing anemia - related symptoms.
• Option D: Obtaining a stool specimen for occult blood can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a common cause of iron - deficiency anemia (a type of anemia that can present with low Hgb and Hct).
• Option E: Anemic clients often experience fatigue due to the body's increased effort to deliver oxygen to tissues. Scheduling daily rest periods helps conserve energy.

Answer:

A. Provide assistance with ambulation, B. Monitor oxygen saturation, D. Obtain stool specimen for occult blood, E. Schedule daily rest periods.