A nurse is counseling an older adult client whose partner died suddenly the previous month. The client cries periodically and rarely makes eye contact. Which of the following questions is the priority for the nurse to ask?

A) Teach the client to void over a urine strainer: After lithotripsy, clients are often advised to void over a strainer to catch any small stone fragments that may pass. This helps in monitoring the passage of stone fragments and ensures that any remaining stones can be analyzed for further management.

B) Administer oxybutynin to the client twice per day: Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bladder spasms. It is not routinely used after lithotripsy unless specifically prescribed for bladder spasms, which are not a common postoperative concern for this procedure.

C) Encourage frequent ambulation for the client: Frequent ambulation is beneficial after lithotripsy as it helps promote overall recovery, reduces the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis, and can facilitate the passage of stone fragments. Encouraging movement is an essential aspect of postoperative care.

D) Check the client's urine for ketones three times per day: Monitoring for ketones is not typically required following lithotripsy unless there is a specific concern about diabetic ketoacidosis or another condition that warrants ketone monitoring. It is not a standard intervention for postoperative care after lithotripsy.

E) Instruct the client to drink 3 L of fluid per day: Increasing fluid intake is crucial after lithotripsy to help flush out any remaining stone fragments and to prevent new stone formation. Drinking 3 liters of fluid per day is generally recommended to maintain adequate hydration and support the urinary system.

Rationale:

A. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. In a Thyroid storm, thyroid hormone levels are already dangerously elevated. Giving levothyroxine would worsen the condition and increase metabolic demand further.

B. Thyroid storm causes a severe hypermetabolic state, increasing oxygen consumption and demand. Supplemental oxygen helps; prevent hypoxia, support tissues under metabolic stress, reduce risk of organ failure. Therefore making it an important supportive, priority intervention.

C. Clients in thyroid storm typically have high fever (hyperthermia). The appropriate intervention is cooling measures (cooling blankets, antipyretics), not warming. Warm blankets would worsen hyperthermia.

D. Thyroid storm causes tachycardia (very fast heart rate) and risk of arrhythmias. Increasing the pulse rate would increase risk of complications such as heart failure. Therefore the goal is to decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers) and reduce cardiac workload