A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the administration of total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following statements should the charge nurse include?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Endoscopy: The client presents with a history of gnawing epigastric pain, one episode of dark, tarry stool, hypotension, tachycardia, and significant anemia. These findings suggest possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopy is the definitive diagnostic procedure to identify the source of bleeding and assess ulcer severity.
• Stool test results: The positive hemoccult (tarry stool) indicates gastrointestinal bleeding. This abnormal finding provides objective evidence that warrants further diagnostic evaluation through endoscopy to prevent further blood loss and complications.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Antibiotic prescription: While H. pylori infection can require antibiotics, this client’s immediate concern is gastrointestinal bleeding, not infection control. Antibiotics would not address the urgent need to identify and manage the bleeding source.
• Proton pump inhibitor therapy: Proton pump inhibitors help reduce gastric acid and promote ulcer healing, but initiating therapy alone does not evaluate or stop potential active bleeding. Endoscopy is needed first for diagnostic and possible therapeutic intervention.
• Hypotension: Although hypotension is present, it is a clinical sign of potential blood loss rather than a direct diagnostic criterion. It supports the urgency for endoscopy but is not the primary evidence for the procedure.
• Positive H. pylori test: While H. pylori infection contributes to ulcer formation, the acute presentation of bleeding evidenced by positive hemoccult stool makes the stool test a more immediate indicator for endoscopy.

Rationale:

A. Asks the client what her plans are for follow-up care: This is an appropriate action that demonstrates concern for the client’s continuity of care and safety, even if she decides to leave against medical advice.

B. Asks the client to sign a form releasing the hospital from legal responsibility: This is standard practice when a client leaves against medical advice, as it documents that the client was informed of potential risks and chose to leave voluntarily.

C. Shows the client her abnormal laboratory results: Providing relevant medical information is appropriate to help the client make an informed decision about her care before leaving the facility.

D. Asks security to detain the client until the provider is notified: Clients have the legal right to leave a healthcare facility unless they are under specific legal or mental health holds. Detaining a competent adult against their will is unlawful and violates patient rights.