A client is admitted for treatment of Addison's crisis. Which finding is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to report to the charge nurse? Reference Range: Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: less than 140 mg/dL or less than 7.8 mmol/L].

The correct answer is choice C. Initiation of changes in infection control measures.

Choice A rationale:

Limiting the client’s fluid intake to avoid hemodilution is not relevant to managing a decreased ANC. Hemodilution is not a concern in this context, and fluid intake should generally be maintained to support overall health.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding exposure to cold temperatures is not directly related to managing a decreased ANC. While keeping the client comfortable is important, it does not address the increased risk of infection associated with neutropenia.

Choice C rationale:

Initiation of changes in infection control measures is crucial when a client’s ANC decreases. Neutropenia increases the risk of infections, so enhanced infection control practices, such as strict hand hygiene, use of protective isolation, and monitoring for signs of infection, are essential to protect the client.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing the client’s dietary servings of fruits and vegetables is generally beneficial for overall health but does not specifically address the immediate risks associated with a decreased ANC. In fact, certain fresh fruits and vegetables might need to be avoided if they pose a risk of introducing pathogens.

The correct answers are:

A. Oatmeal is a good choice for breakfast.

C. Add lentils and black beans to soups.

D. Increase green leafy vegetables in the diet. Choice A rationale:

Oatmeal is a good choice for breakfast because it is a vegetarian option that is rich in iron. It contains non-heme iron, which is the type of iron found in plant-based foods. Non-heme iron may not be as easily absorbed as heme iron (found in animal products), but it can still contribute to increasing iron levels in the body, especially when combined with other sources of iron.

Choice B rationale:

Eat red meat just until the anemia is resolved is not a suitable instruction for a vegetarian client. Red meat is a source of heme iron, which is not part of a vegetarian diet. While heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body, there are other plant-based sources of iron that can be recommended to the client without compromising their dietary preferences.

Choice C rationale:

Lentils and black beans are excellent choices for a vegetarian client to increase iron intake. Both foods are rich in iron, and they also contain other nutrients that aid in iron absorption, such as vitamin C. Including lentils and black beans in soups can be a tasty and nutritious way to enhance iron intake.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing green leafy vegetables in the diet is another appropriate recommendation for a vegetarian client. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain non-heme iron, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Combining them with vitamin C-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.

Choice E rationale:

Take two prenatal vitamins with iron daily is not necessary since the healthcare provider already prescribed one prenatal vitamin with iron daily. Taking additional supplements without medical advice can lead to an excessive intake of certain nutrients, which may have adverse effects on health.