Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Hydration and fluid balance
NCLEX: A 79-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hydration and flui…
Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort
Case Study
A 79-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hydration and fluid balance. Assessment data include the client has potassium 5.9 mEq/L while asking about salt substitutes. 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."
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.
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.