A client is receiving mesalamine 800 mg by mouth three times a day. Which assessment should the nurse perform to assess the effectiveness of the medication?

- An 18-year-old client with a mild mental disability is a client who has a lower than average intellectual functioning and some limitations in adaptive skills, such as communication, socialization, and self-care. A mild mental disability may affect the client's ability to understand, cope, or cooperate with medical interventions, such as ambulation after surgery.
- Ambulation is the act of walking or moving around. It is an important part of postoperative care, as it helps to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, atelectasis, constipation, and pressure ulcers. Ambulation also promotes circulation, wound healing, and muscle strength.
- When the practical nurse (PN) attempts to assist the client to ambulate on the first postoperative day after an appendectomy, the client becomes angry and says, "PN, 'Get out of here! I'll get up when I'm ready!" This may indicate that the client is experiencing pain, fear, anxiety, or frustration due to the surgery and the recovery process.
- The best response for the PN to make is to acknowledge the client's feelings, provide reassurance and support, and set a clear and realistic goal for ambulation. This will help to establish rapport, reduce resistance, and motivate the client to participate in the care plan.
- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it shows empathy and respect for the client's feelings, while also informing the client of the expectation and time frame for ambulation. Option D also allows the client some time to prepare mentally and physically for the activity.

Options A, B, and C are incorrect answers, as they do not address the client's emotional needs or demonstrate effective communication skills.

Option A is incorrect because it uses a threatening tone and does not acknowledge the client's feelings.

Option B is incorrect because it assumes that the client feels angry about the pain of ambulation, which may not be true or helpful.

Option C is incorrect because it appeals to authority and does not explain the rationale or benefits of ambulation.

A. Explaining the procedure and obtaining the signature is the provider’s responsibility, not the practical nurse’s.
B. Checking the medical record for a signed consent form is part of the practical nurse’s verification role but does not address assessing client understanding.
C. Obtaining consent from a family member is only appropriate if the client is unable to provide it; otherwise, consent must come directly from the client.
D. The practical nurse is responsible for ensuring the client understands the procedure and the purpose of the consent form, reinforcing the provider’s explanation and promoting informed consent.