The nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from surgery. Which

The nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement to decrease the client’s possibility of developing hypercalcemia?

1. Measure vital signs every 4 hours.
2. Assist the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours.
3. Assist the client to ambulate around the room at least three times daily.
4. Irrigate the client’s nasogastric tube every 2 hours.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Measuring vital signs will not decrease the possibility of developing hypercalcemia.
Rationale 2: Turning, coughing, and deep breathing every 2 hours will not prevent the development of hypercalcemia.
Rationale 3: Hypercalcemia can occur from immobility. Ambulation of the client helps to prevent leaching of calcium from the bones into the serum.
Rationale 4: Irrigating the nasogastric tube every 2 hours is not going to prevent the development of hypercalcemia.