A nurse is caring for a client who has erectile dysfunction. Which of the following lab tests should the nurse expect will be ordered to evaluate this client? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A reason:
Urine-specific gravity measures the concentration of urine compared to water. It can indicate various conditions affecting the kidneys, but it does not provide a direct measure of renal function. It can be affected by hydration status and does not specifically reflect kidney damage or disease.

Choice B reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can indicate kidney health; however, BUN can also be influenced by factors such as protein intake, hydration, and liver function. Therefore, while it is a useful test, it is not the most specific indicator of renal function in isolation.

Choice C reason:
Serum sodium levels are important for assessing electrolyte balance and can be affected by kidney function. However, changes in serum sodium are not specific to kidney function alone and can result from a variety of conditions.

Choice D reason:
Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. As the kidneys are responsible for filtering out creatinine, its level in the blood is a good indication of kidney function. Elevated levels of serum creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease. In the context of SLE, where kidney involvement is common, serum creatinine is a crucial marker for monitoring renal function.

Choice A reason:
Resuming sexual intercourse in 2 to 3 weeks may not be appropriate for all patients after such a major surgery. The recovery time can vary based on individual factors, including the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. It's essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations, which typically involve waiting until after the postoperative check-up, usually around 6 weeks, to ensure proper healing.

Choice B reason:
Increased vaginal drainage typically occurring 5 days following surgery could be a sign of infection or other complications. Normal postoperative discharge should gradually decrease over time. If a patient experiences increased drainage, especially if it's foul-smelling or accompanied by fever, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason:
After a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, patients may experience vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels. Using artificial lubricants can help alleviate symptoms of itching and dryness, making this an appropriate instruction for postoperative care.

Choice D reason:
A Papanicolaou (Pap) test is not typically required every 6 months after a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine cancer unless the surgery was performed as treatment for cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer. For those who had the procedure due to benign conditions, further Pap tests are generally not necessary.