A client with a tentative diagnosis of a gastric ulcer is scheduled for an endoscopy. Which concern should the practical nurse (PN) expect this client to have after the procedure is completed?

Choice A reason: Asking the client about any changes in vision can provide valuable information regarding the client's subjective experience and any potential progression of cataracts. However, given the observation of milky white pupils, which may indicate a more serious issue such as advanced cataracts or another underlying condition, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate action. While gathering subjective data is important, notifying the charge nurse ensures that the finding is promptly addressed by the healthcare team.
Choice B reason: Notifying the charge nurse of the finding is the most appropriate action in this scenario. The observation of milky white pupils in a client with cataracts could indicate significant changes or complications that require further evaluation and potential intervention. By promptly reporting this finding to the charge nurse, the practical nurse ensures that the client receives timely and appropriate care, including potential diagnostic tests and consultations with specialists if necessary.
Choice C reason: Assisting the client to a semi-Fowler's position can be beneficial for comfort and to facilitate breathing, especially in bedfast clients. However, this action does not directly address the observation of milky white pupils. The immediate priority is to notify the charge nurse to ensure that the finding is properly evaluated and managed. Positioning the client can be done as part of routine care, but it is not the most urgent response to the observed change.
Choice D reason: Assessing the client using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is appropriate for evaluating the level of consciousness and neurological status. However, in this context, the observation of milky white pupils is more likely related to an ocular condition rather than a neurological issue. While it is always important to monitor the client's overall status, the immediate priority is to report the finding to the charge nurse for appropriate ocular assessment and management.

Choice A reason: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. While aldosterone levels can indicate adrenal function, they are not as commonly used as cortisol levels in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure. Aldosterone regulation is also influenced by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, making it a less direct indicator of overall adrenal cortex function compared to cortisol.
Choice B reason: Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Measuring cortisol levels is a primary method for assessing adrenal cortex function. Low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or failure, such as in conditions like Addison's disease. Evaluating cortisol levels provides a direct assessment of the adrenal gland’s ability to produce essential hormones necessary for the body's normal functioning.
Choice C reason: Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. While thyroxine levels are important for thyroid function assessment, they do not directly reflect the functioning of the adrenal gland. Therefore, thyroxine levels are not relevant in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure.
Choice D reason: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. It is not related to the adrenal cortex. Monitoring insulin levels is important for diagnosing and managing diabetes mellitus but does not provide information about the functioning of the adrenal gland. Insulin levels are not used to assess adrenal cortex function.