A nurse is caring for a client who is taking potassium chloride supplements daily for hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the supplements are effective?

A. Monitor the client for an elevated RBC count.: While an elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is more indicative of appendicitis, an elevated RBC count is not typically used to diagnose appendicitis.

B. Instruct the client to not eat food or drink liquids.: This is important as it prepares the client for a potential surgical procedure. If the appendix is inflamed and surgery is necessary, the client should not eat or drink to prevent complications related to anesthesia and surgery.

C. Administer an enema to the client.: Administering an enema is not recommended as it can increase the risk of perforation of the appendix, which is a serious complication.

D. Maintain the client in a supine position.: While maintaining a supine position may be necessary, it is not as critical as ensuring the client remains NPO (nil per os) in preparation for possible surgery. The position is less of a priority compared to dietary restrictions in this scenario.

A. Check skin temperature distal to the injury with the dorsum of the hand.: Assessing skin temperature distal to the injury is an important part of evaluating neurovascular status. It helps to identify any changes in circulation or potential complications like ischemia. The dorsum of the hand is commonly used as it provides a good comparison to the temperature of the affected extremity.

B. Press the heel of the foot to determine capillary refill.: While capillary refill is an important assessment, it is usually measured by pressing the nail beds or pads of the fingers and toes, not by pressing the heel. This method does not provide a reliable indication of neurovascular status.

C. Monitor sensation by palpating the pad of the great toe with a blunt needle.: While assessing sensation is important, it is typically done using a light touch or pinprick, rather than palpating with a blunt needle. The use of a needle is not standard practice for this type of assessment.

D. Compare the color of the skin proximal to the injury with the other extremity.: Comparing the skin color distal to the injury with the unaffected extremity is more relevant for evaluating neurovascular status. Proximal comparison is less effective in assessing circulation and potential issues related to the injury.