What should be the nurse's priority action when a client shows oliguria during a normal saline bolus?

• A. Notify the health care provider.
• B. Reassess client in an hour.
• C. Add 2 to 3 liters of oral fluids.
• D. Measure intake and output.

Answer: (A)

When a client exhibits oliguria, particularly during a normal saline bolus, the priority action for the nurse is to notify the health care provider. Oliguria, defined as a significant decrease in urine output, may indicate underlying issues such as acute kidney injury, dehydration, or other complications related to fluid balance. By alerting the healthcare provider, timely evaluation and intervention can be implemented to address the potential cause of the oliguria and prevent further complications.

The other options, while relevant in the overall management of a patient, do not address the immediate concern as effectively. Reassessing the client in an hour may delay necessary interventions, especially if the cause of the oliguria is serious. Adding oral fluids could also risk overloading the patient if their kidneys are not functioning appropriately. Measuring intake and output is important for monitoring, but it does not facilitate immediate intervention and follows rather than leads in clinical priority. Thus, notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate and timely action in this scenario.