NCLEX: A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to gastrointestinal d…

Anatomy & Physiology I/II Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Assessment data include client appears anxious and asks for help understanding the care plan. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?

Question

A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
C. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
D. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."

Rationale

Correct answer: B. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Gastrointestinal digestion and absorption