A nurse is caring for a client who has named a person to serve as his health care proxy. The client talks about this type of advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for clarification?

A. The client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon: Exercise, especially in hot weather, can lead to dehydration and increased sweating, which can result in decreased lithium excretion and increased lithium levels in the blood, leading to toxicity. Therefore, this factor puts the client at risk for lithium toxicity.
B. The client eats 2 to 3 g of sodium-containing foods: Sodium intake can affect lithium levels, as high sodium levels can increase lithium excretion and lower lithium levels. Therefore, eating sodium-containing foods is less likely to contribute to lithium toxicity.
C. The client eats foods high in tyramine: Tyramine-rich foods can interact with certain medications, such as MAOIs, but they do not directly increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
D. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily: Adequate hydration is important for clients taking lithium, as dehydration can increase lithium levels. Therefore, drinking 2 liters of liquids daily is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity.

A. Administer an analgesic PO: Administering an analgesic by mouth may not provide immediate relief for the pain at the insertion site of the IV catheter. Oral medications typically take time to be absorbed and reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream, which may delay pain relief. Additionally, oral analgesics are not specifically targeted to the site of pain and may not adequately address localized discomfort associated with IV insertion.
B. Administer a local anesthetic: Administering a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is the most appropriate action to alleviate pain at the insertion site of the IV catheter. Local anesthetics block nerve impulses in the area where they are applied, temporarily numbing the site and providing rapid pain relief. The nurse can apply a topical local anesthetic cream or spray directly to the skin around the insertion site or infiltrate lidocaine into the subcutaneous tissue near the catheter insertion site to minimize discomfort for the client.
C. Request a prescription for placement of a central venous access device: Requesting a prescription for a central venous access device, such as a central venous catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), is not indicated solely based on the client's report of pain at the insertion site of the IV catheter. Central venous access devices are typically reserved for clients requiring long-term intravenous therapy, frequent blood draws, or administration of vesicant or irritating medications. The decision to insert a central venous access device should be based on the client's specific clinical needs and the assessment of venous access options by the healthcare provider.
D. Remove the catheter and insert another of a different size: Removing the IV catheter and inserting another of a different size solely due to pain at the insertion site may not be necessary and could cause additional discomfort and trauma to the client. The nurse should assess the insertion site for signs of complications, such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection, before considering catheter removal and replacement. If the IV catheter is appropriately positioned and functioning well, the nurse should focus on managing the client's pain at the current insertion site using appropriate interventions, such as administering a local anesthetic, rather than immediately removing the catheter.