Final answer:
The first action the nurse should take is to consult with the healthcare provider about the prescription, due to the patient's history of alcoholic cirrhosis, which may affect the liver's ability to metabolize lactated Ringer's solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should take action b) Consult with the healthcare provider about the prescription. Lactated Ringer's solution, being an isotonic crystalloid solution, mimics the composition of body fluid and is used to treat dehydration or fluid loss in patients. It is particularly useful when there's a loss of fluid with electrolytes, such as sodium and bicarbonate. However, lactated Ringer's includes lactate, which requires conversion to bicarbonate by the liver. In patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, this conversion process may be compromised due to impaired liver function. Therefore, administering lactate-containing solutions could potentially lead to adverse effects, such as acid-base imbalances.
Prior to administration, it is critical to assess whether the patient's liver can handle the metabolic demands of lactated Ringer's solution. The best first step is to communicate with the healthcare provider to ensure that the IV solution is appropriate considering the client's medical history of alcoholic cirrhosis and to discuss potential alternatives if necessary. Immediate assessment of liver function (action c) could be part of the consultation with the healthcare provider.
From the information provided (action d, switching the solution is not within the nurse's scope without an order from a healthcare provider, and action a, administering the IV solution as ordered, does not address the potential risks associated with the patient's liver condition).