A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia related to AIDS.
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to confirm the client's nutritional intake is adequate?

Choice A rationale

Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride is hypotonic and inappropriate for transfusing packed RBCs, as it can cause hemolysis due to the lower osmolarity of the solution compared to the intracellular environment of the RBCs.

Choice B rationale

Lactated Ringer’s contains calcium, which can chelate with the citrate in stored blood, leading to clots in the transfusion line. This makes it unsuitable for use as an intravenous solution for packed RBCs.

Choice C rationale

0.9% sodium chloride is isotonic and compatible with packed RBCs. It preserves the integrity of RBCs during transfusion, ensuring that no hemolysis or clotting occurs due to interaction with the solution.

Choice D rationale

Dextrose 5% in water is hypotonic and unsuitable for transfusion of packed RBCs, as it can cause hemolysis. The low osmolarity of this solution compromises the cell membrane of the erythrocytes, leading to their destruction. .

Choice A rationale

Poor judgment is typically associated with right-hemisphere strokes, which impair attention, spatial orientation, and awareness. Left-hemisphere strokes primarily affect language and motor function, sparing judgment and spatial abilities. Understanding hemispheric stroke effects helps anticipate patient deficits.

Choice B rationale

Impulsiveness is also linked to right-hemisphere strokes, resulting from disrupted executive function and self-monitoring. Left-hemisphere strokes affect logical reasoning and language skills, rarely leading to impulsive behavior.

Choice C rationale

Left-sided weakness is characteristic of right-hemisphere strokes due to contralateral motor control. Left-hemisphere strokes typically cause right-sided motor impairments. Recognizing this distinction aids in accurate diagnosis and therapy.

Choice D rationale

Aphasia is a hallmark of left-hemisphere strokes, as this hemisphere controls speech and language in most individuals. Damage to regions like Broca’s or Wernicke’s area leads to expressive or receptive language deficits, necessitating targeted therapy for rehabilitation. .