Final answer:
The nurse should first assess the client's serum sodium level to determine the cause of symptoms after a craniotomy. Isotonic saline is commonly given intravenously to dehydrated patients, and hypokalemia is treated with KCl solutions. A patient with low blood pressure and symptoms of thirst likely needs immediate IV fluids for hypovolemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a craniotomy, the presence of dry, sticky mucous membranes, acute confusion, and restlessness in a client may suggest an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. The first action the nurse should take is B. Assess the client's serum sodium level. This assessment will help to determine if the client is experiencing hypernatremia, which is a high concentration of sodium in the blood that can cause such symptoms. While assessing urinary output is also important, it's not the first step in this scenario as it's more of an indirect indicator of serum sodium concentration. Increasing the IV infusion rate or providing frequent oral care could be appropriate interventions but not before clarifying the underlying cause of the client's symptoms.
When a dehydrated human patient needs to be given fluids intravenously, they are often given saline at a concentration that is isotonic with respect to body fluids. This helps to restore fluid balance without causing further imbalances. Glucose solutions or blood may also be administered depending on the specific needs of the patient, such as energy requirements or blood loss, respectively. In cases of hypokalemia, as mentioned, a solution with potassium chloride (KCl) is used to correct the electrolyte imbalance.
In the emergency department, a patient with a blood pressure of 70/45, who is confused and complaining of thirst, is likely experiencing hypovolemia or dehydration, which can cause shock and requires immediate fluid resuscitation to maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion.