A nurse is providing information for a client who has a new prescription for simvastatin. For which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to monitor and report to the provider?

The correct answer is Choice d. Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed.

Choice A rationale:

• Moving both crutches with the stronger leg forward first is incorrect for a three-point gait.This describes a two-point gait,which is used when a client can bear weight on both legs.In a three-point gait,the client bears weight on the unaffected leg and the crutches,not the stronger leg.
• This action would put excessive weight on the affected leg and could potentially compromise healing or cause further injury.

Choice B rationale:

• Supporting his body weight while leaning on the axillary crutch pads is also incorrect.This can lead to nerve damage in the armpits and should be avoided.
• The weight should be distributed through the hands and wrists,not the armpits.

Choice C rationale:

• Stepping with his affected leg first when going up stairs is incorrect and potentially dangerous.The client should lead with the stronger leg when going up stairs to maintain balance and control.

Choice D rationale:

• Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed is the correct action for using crutches with a three-point gait.This allows for proper weight distribution,balance,and control of the crutches.
• It also helps to prevent fatigue and strain in the arms and shoulders.

Key points to remember about the three-point gait:

• Weight is borne on the unaffected leg and the crutches,not the affected leg.
• The crutches and the unaffected leg move forward together,followed by the affected leg.
• The client should look ahead,not down at their feet.
• The client should take small,even steps.
• The client should rest as needed.

The correct answer is choice C. A client who was just given a glass of orange juice for a low blood glucose level.

This client should be assessed first because they are at risk of hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency that can cause seizures, coma, or death if not treated promptly.

The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level again and provide additional carbohydrates or glucose if needed.

Choice A is wrong because a client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.

The nurse should verify the client’s consent, allergies, and vital signs before the procedure, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.

Choice B is wrong because a client who received a pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain is likely to have improved pain relief and does not need immediate assessment.

The nurse should monitor the client’s pain level, vital signs, and respiratory status periodically, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.

Choice D is wrong because a client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.

The nurse should change the IV bag when it is empty or nearly empty, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.

Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) when fasting, and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia and requires immediate treatment. Orange juice is a source of simple carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose quickly, but it may not be enough to prevent hypoglycemia in some cases.