A nurse is performing an annual wellness exam on an 8-year-old child whose last exam was one year ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Rationale:

A. "Client in room 303 is requesting snacks between meals.": While client preferences are important, this information is non-urgent and can be communicated through care plans or written notes. It does not directly impact immediate nursing care during a shift change.

B. "Client in room 304 has a laptop that they use for relaxation.": This is personal, non-clinical information and is not essential for safe and effective handoff communication. Shift reports should focus on medical status, treatment plans, or immediate needs.

C. "Client in room 302 has multiple visitors.": Visitor status is not a priority item in a shift report unless it directly affects client care, safety, or monitoring. Including such information can distract from more clinically significant updates.

D. "Client in room 301 is in the cardiac catheterization lab.": This is critical information because it reflects a current procedure, potential risks, and possible post-procedure care needs. Reporting this ensures continuity of monitoring and prioritization.

Rationale:

• Parotid glands: Parotid gland enlargement is a typical finding in clients with bulimia nervosa due to repeated episodes of self-induced vomiting. The recurrent stimulation of salivary glands leads to painless swelling, often bilateral, and may also contribute to facial puffiness or a rounded appearance.
• Potassium level: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low and may result from either bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. In bulimia, this is typically due to purging through vomiting or laxative use; in anorexia, it stems from prolonged restriction, dehydration, and possible diuretic misuse. Both conditions increase the risk of cardiac complications.
• Weight: The client’s weight of 61.8 kg with a BMI of 20.7 falls within the normal range and is more consistent with bulimia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia nervosa usually present with a significantly lower body weight and BMI, typically below 18.5, due to extreme caloric restriction and prolonged starvation.
• Sodium level: A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is slightly low and can occur in both bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. In bulimia, frequent vomiting may cause sodium loss, while in anorexia, hyponatremia can develop from malnutrition, dehydration, or excessive water intake in attempts to suppress appetite or manipulate weight.
• Hand findings: Calluses on the index and middle fingers, known as Russell’s sign, are associated with bulimia nervosa. These result from repeated trauma during induced vomiting episodes, as the hand comes into contact with the teeth. This finding is a classic physical sign of chronic purging behavior.