A nurse is assisting with the care of a client in a provider's clinic.

Exhibits

Select the findings that require follow-up.

Rationale:

 • An endoscopy is necessary to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract for potential ulcers or bleeding sites, especially given the client’s positive fecal occult blood and anemia. This procedure will help identify active bleeding and confirm a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease.

 • An antifungal prescription is inappropriate because there is no evidence of fungal infection such as thrush or candidiasis. The client’s symptoms and diagnostic findings are more consistent with a gastrointestinal disorder, particularly peptic ulcer disease.

 • Oxygen via nonrebreather mask is not indicated because the client's oxygen saturation is normal at 98% on room air. There are no respiratory symptoms or signs of hypoxia that would necessitate supplemental oxygen at this level of intensity.

 • Low hemoglobin and hematocrit indicate a state of anemia, which is likely due to chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The client’s history of dark, tarry stools (melena) further supports ongoing blood loss from the upper GI tract, necessitating diagnostic evaluation.

 • History of gnawing epigastric pain is suggestive of peptic ulcer disease but does not on its own justify urgent endoscopy. This history becomes more significant when paired with other alarming signs like bleeding or anemia, but alone it is not a definitive indicator.

 • Stool test results showing a positive hemoccult test confirm the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Combined with anemia and pain, this is a key indicator for immediate endoscopic evaluation to locate and treat the bleeding source.

 • H. pylori results support a peptic ulcer etiology, but the infection alone does not require urgent visualization unless there are complications like bleeding, anemia, or severe symptoms, which would necessitate further diagnostic action.

 • Presence of epigastric tenderness is a non-specific physical finding that could result from many conditions and is not sufficient to determine the need for endoscopy without other supportive clinical evidence pointing toward bleeding or ulceration.

 • Smoking and alcohol intake history increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease but are not acute indicators for endoscopy. They contribute to the etiology and chronic risk but do not demonstrate the immediate need for invasive diagnostics.

Rationale:

A. Wipe from the outer to the inner canthus after administering the drops: The correct technique is to wipe from the inner to the outer canthus to avoid introducing pathogens into the lacrimal system. Wiping in the wrong direction increases the risk of eye infections.

B. Position the child side-lying on the bed before administering the drops: Eye drops should be administered with the child in a supine or slightly reclined position. Side-lying positioning is more appropriate for ear drops and does not allow proper exposure of the conjunctival sac.

C. Apply pressure to the lacrimal punctum after administering the drops: Pressing the lacrimal punctum (inner corner of the eye) helps prevent systemic absorption of the medication by occluding the tear duct. This increases local efficacy and reduces the risk of systemic side effects, which is especially important in children.

D. Flush the eye with formal saline solution before administering the drops: Flushing with formal saline is unnecessary unless there is debris or discharge. Routine eye drop administration does not require pre-flushing..