A client with a malabsorption syndrome has a low serum calcium level. The practical nurse should monitor the client for which problem?

A. Encouraging the client to proceed with the surgery may dismiss their valid fears and does not address the underlying emotional concerns. It is important to acknowledge the client’s feelings rather than pressuring them to continue.
B. Notifying the charge nurse of the client’s concerns ensures that the client’s emotional state and any potential issues with informed consent are addressed appropriately. The charge nurse can facilitate further discussion with the surgical team to ensure the client’s concerns are managed and that the consent remains valid.
C. Documenting the client’s concerns is important for legal and clinical reasons, but it does not address the client’s immediate emotional needs or resolve their fears. The priority is to ensure the client’s concerns are addressed and escalated if necessary.
D. Reminding the client that consent has already been obtained does not validate their current emotional concerns and can be dismissive. The focus should be on addressing the client’s anxiety and exploring their concerns.

1. Dark Room Lighting
   Consistent with Elder Mistreatment: A dark, uninviting environment can indicate neglect or lack of proper care. It may reflect poor living conditions or neglect of the client's environment, which can be a sign of mistreatment.
2. Malnutrition
   Consistent with Elder Mistreatment: The client’s low weight (98 lb) relative to her height (5 ft 4 in) suggests potential malnutrition. Malnutrition can be a sign of neglect, as the client might not be receiving adequate food or nutrition, which is a form of mistreatment.
3. Pressure Injuries
   Consistent with Elder Mistreatment: Although the pressure injuries have closed, the presence of Stage II pressure ulcers in the past indicates a lack of proper care and attention to the client’s needs. Pressure ulcers are a common sign of neglect in care settings.

Not Consistent with Elder Mistreatment

• Poor Hygiene
  Not Consistent: The client appears clean and healthy with no issues in skin condition or oral hygiene, so this is not a sign of mistreatment.
• Bilateral Leg Edema
  Not Consistent: While edema might be a concern in heart failure management, it is not specifically indicative of elder mistreatment.
• Short Term Memory Loss
  Not Consistent: Short-term memory loss is not necessarily a sign of mistreatment; it could be related to aging or medical conditions.