A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter. The nurse should explain to the client that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hypervolemia is a condition of excess fluid volume in the body. A client who has an extensive burn injury is more likely to have hypovolemia, which is a condition of low fluid volume, due to fluid loss from the damaged skin and capillaries.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis is a condition of high blood pH and high bicarbonate level. A client who has an extensive burn injury is more likely to have metabolic acidosis, which is a condition of low blood pH and low bicarbonate level, due to increased production of lactic acid and ketones from tissue hypoxia and breakdown.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because low hemoglobin is a common laboratory finding in a client who has an extensive burn injury. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A client who has an extensive burn injury may have low hemoglobin due to hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, or hemorrhage, which is the loss of blood.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because hyperkalemia is a condition of high blood potassium level. A client who has an extensive burn injury may have hyperkalemia in the early phase of injury, due to cell damage and potassium release, but it is usually transient and followed by hypokalemia, which is a condition of low blood potassium level, due to fluid loss and potassium depletion.

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because it reflects the nurse's feelings rather than focusing on the client's needs. Saying "That's a hurtful thing to say" may make the client feel guilty or defensive, and it does not address the underlying cause of the client's anger or frustration.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because it sounds accusatory and confrontational rather than empathetic and supportive. Asking "Why would you say such a thing?" may make the client feel judged or criticized, and it does not explore the client's feelings or concerns.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because it dismisses the client's feelings rather than acknowledging them. Saying "Well, that's your opinion" may make the client feel ignored or invalidated, and it does not show respect or compassion for the client.

Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because it invites the client to express their feelings and concerns rather than shutting them down. Saying "Tell me more about that" may make the client feel heard and understood, and it may help to identify the source of their anger or frustration. The nurse can then use therapeutic communication skills such as active listening, reflecting, clarifying, or validating to establish rapport and trust with the client.