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: A sore throat is a common and expected concern after an endoscopy. During the procedure, an endoscope is passed through the mouth and down the throat to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can cause irritation and discomfort in the throat. This is typically temporary and can be managed with soothing remedies such as warm saltwater gargles or throat lozenges. The practical nurse should reassure the client that a sore throat is a normal side effect and provide appropriate comfort measures.
Choice B reason: Clay-colored stools are not typically associated with an endoscopy. This finding is more indicative of a problem with bile flow, possibly related to liver or gallbladder conditions. The presence of clay-colored stools suggests that bile is not reaching the intestines, which can occur in conditions such as biliary obstruction. While it is an important symptom to report, it is not directly related to the endoscopic procedure.
Choice C reason: Pain in the mid-abdominal area is not a common post-endoscopy concern. While some mild discomfort or bloating can occur due to the air introduced into the stomach during the procedure, severe or persistent mid-abdominal pain is not expected and should be evaluated further. This symptom could indicate a complication such as perforation, which is rare but serious.
Choice D reason: White, chalky emesis is not a typical concern after an endoscopy. This type of emesis may be related to the ingestion of barium, a contrast material used in certain radiologic studies, but it is not associated with an endoscopic examination. If a client experiences white, chalky emesis, further investigation is needed to determine the cause, but it is not a normal post-endoscopy symptom.

Choice A reason: Coughing over the catheter site while cleansing the skin is a behavior that indicates the client needs additional teaching. This action can introduce bacteria and other pathogens to the catheter site, increasing the risk of infection. Proper technique should include covering the mouth when coughing and ensuring the area remains as sterile as possible during the cleansing process. Educating the client on the importance of maintaining sterility and preventing contamination is crucial in peritoneal dialysis catheter care.
Choice B reason: Wearing only one sterile glove when cleansing the insertion site may not be ideal, but it does not necessarily indicate a lack of understanding or need for additional teaching. The main concern is ensuring the insertion site is cleaned properly. However, best practice would be to wear two sterile gloves to maintain sterility and reduce the risk of infection.
Choice C reason: Washing hands before opening the 4 by 4 dressing packet is a proper and essential technique in peritoneal dialysis catheter care. This action helps minimize the risk of infection by ensuring that the hands are clean before handling sterile supplies. This behavior does not indicate a need for additional teaching.
Choice D reason: Pouring antiseptic solution and sterile water on sterile dressings is an acceptable practice in peritoneal dialysis catheter care. This step helps disinfect the catheter site and maintain sterility. This behavior does not indicate a need for additional teaching.