A client is learning about diet choices that will increase wound healing after a total knee replacement.
What diet selection would indicate that the client understands the correct foods to choose for that outcome to happen?

This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.

Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of

calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.

Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.

The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:

• Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Chloride: 96 to 106

Interview the client privately and ask if anyone is harming her.

This is because the nurse has a duty to assess the client for possible elder abuse and report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities.

The nurse should not assume that the son is the abuser or that the client will disclose the abuse without being asked directly.

The nurse should also respect the client’s autonomy and privacy and not confront the son or provide an elder abuse brochure without the client’s consent.

Choice A is wrong because it may imply that the client is responsible for preventing the abuse or that the nurse has already made a judgment about the situation.

It may also be ineffective if the client is unable or unwilling to read the brochure or seek help. Choice C is wrong because it may delay the assessment and intervention for the client.

It may also be biased and unfair to observe the son without interviewing him or the client first.

Choice D is wrong because it may violate the client’s rights and preferences.

It may also be premature to report the abuse without confirming it with the client or obtaining more evidence.