A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

A. Ask a nursing student who speaks the same language as the client to translate: This is not appropriate, as the nursing student may not be trained in medical terminology or confidentiality, which could lead to miscommunication and potential breaches of privacy.

B. Allow the client's partner to translate: While the partner may understand the language, this approach can create conflicts of interest, and they may not be able to convey the full medical context or sensitive information accurately.

C. Request a female interpreter through the facility: This is the best action. Using a trained, professional interpreter ensures that the communication is accurate and confidential, allowing the nurse to gather necessary admission data effectively while respecting the client's comfort and cultural needs.

D. Have the client's child translate: It is not appropriate to involve a child in medical discussions, as they may not fully understand the context or terminology and could feel overwhelmed by the responsibility.

A) Changes in appetite: While changes in appetite are important to assess, they are not the most immediate concern for a client with ALS who is experiencing weight loss. Appetite changes can contribute to weight loss, but other factors may be more critical.

B) Prescribed medications: Knowing the client’s prescribed medications is essential for overall care, but it is not the priority when addressing recent weight loss in a client with ALS. Medications can affect appetite and weight, but immediate physical concerns should be prioritized.

C) Daily fluid intake: Assessing daily fluid intake is important for hydration status, but it is not the priority in this scenario. Ensuring adequate fluid intake is necessary, but it does not directly address the potential complications related to weight loss in ALS.

D) Swallowing ability: Swallowing ability is the priority admission data to obtain for a client with ALS who has had recent weight loss. ALS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This can result in inadequate nutrition and hydration, as well as an increased risk of aspiration. Assessing swallowing ability helps identify the need for interventions such as dietary modifications, swallowing therapy, or alternative feeding methods to ensure the client’s safety and nutritional needs are met.