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

Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to renal impairment. Assessment data include the client reports worst headache of life with neck stiffness. 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 do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
D. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."

Rationale

Correct answer: C. "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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Renal impairment