A client with Crohn's disease has a serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L (130 mmol/L). Which foods should the practical nurse (PN) encourage the client to eat?

Reference Range:

• Sodium: 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Choice A reason: Water-based lubricant is essential during a Pap test to ensure the patient's comfort and ease the insertion of the speculum. It is non-irritating and does not interfere with the collection of the cervical sample, which is crucial for accurate test results.
Choice B reason: A specimen bottle is required to store and transport the collected cervical cells to the laboratory for analysis. It ensures that the sample is properly preserved and can be accurately analyzed for any abnormalities, such as precancerous or cancerous cells.
Choice C reason: A microscopic slide and spray cell fixative are necessary for preparing the collected cervical cells for microscopic examination. The fixative helps preserve the cells on the slide, preventing them from drying out or becoming damaged, which is important for accurate analysis.
Choice D reason: A disposable vaginal speculum is used to gently open the vaginal walls, providing the healthcare provider with a clear view of the cervix. This allows for the proper collection of cervical cells during the Pap test, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
Choice E reason: A cytobrush or plastic spatula cervical sampling device is used to collect the cervical cells from the transformation zone of the cervix. These devices are designed to gather an adequate and representative sample, which is essential for the accurate detection of any cellular abnormalities.

Choice A reason: Assessing the mucous membranes can provide useful information about the client’s overall hydration status. Checking for signs of dehydration, such as dry or sticky mucous membranes, can indicate whether the client may need additional fluids or intervention. However, this assessment does not directly address the issue of decreased urine output in the catheter, which might be due to a blockage or mechanical issue with the catheter itself.
Choice B reason: Ensuring that the catheter tubing is straight is crucial because any kinks or bends in the tubing can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to decreased urine output. This is a simple yet essential step that can be quickly performed by the practical nurse to rule out mechanical obstruction as the cause of the problem. By straightening the tubing, the nurse can help restore proper urine flow without the need for further invasive interventions.
Choice C reason: Auscultating lung sounds is an important assessment to determine if the client has any respiratory complications, such as fluid overload or pneumonia, which can sometimes occur post-transplant. While this is a critical assessment for overall health, it does not directly address the immediate issue of decreased urine output in the catheter. It is important to prioritize assessments that are directly related to the symptom being observed.
Choice D reason: Determining the dryness of bed linens can help assess if there has been any urine leakage around the catheter site or if the catheter is not functioning properly. Wet bed linens might indicate that the urine is bypassing the catheter or that there is a leak in the system. However, this assessment alone may not provide enough information to address the decreased urine output and should be combined with other assessments like ensuring the catheter tubing is straight.
Choice E reason: Irrigating the catheter to assess patency is a direct and immediate action that can help identify if the catheter is blocked. If there is resistance during irrigation, it indicates that the catheter may be obstructed, and further action is required to clear the blockage. This assessment can help resolve the issue of decreased urine output and is a practical step before notifying the charge nurse, as it provides a clear indication of the catheter's functionality.