A nurse manager is teaching a newly licensed nurse about pain management for an older adult client. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. "Tell me more about how you are feeling about this pregnancy.": This open-ended, therapeutic statement encourages the adolescent to express her thoughts and emotions. It shows empathy and supports trust-building, which is essential in managing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.

B. "Clients are usually happy about a second pregnancy.": This response generalizes experiences and dismisses the client’s individual feelings. It may cause the client to feel misunderstood or pressured to conform to others' expectations.

C. "You will feel better when you have your first ultrasound.": This statement minimizes the client’s current emotional state and assumes that reassurance will come from a future event, which may not address the underlying anxiety.

D. "Let's focus on how you are feeling physically.": While physical symptoms are important, this response deflects from the client's expressed emotional concern. It can shut down conversation about her psychological well-being, which is the main issue presented.

Rationale:

A. Blood pressure: Orthostatic hypotension is evident from the drop in systolic and diastolic pressure when standing, indicating fluid and electrolyte imbalance. This may reflect volume depletion due to purging and requires monitoring to prevent fainting or falls.

B. Syncope: The client reports repeated fainting episodes, a red flag when paired with orthostatic hypotension and electrolyte disturbances. This suggests unstable cardiovascular status and raises the risk of injury or sudden cardiac events.

C. ECG: Sinus tachycardia with premature ventricular contractions indicates cardiac irritability likely due to electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia. Continuous cardiac monitoring and correction of abnormalities are needed.

D. Albumin: An albumin level of 2.6 g/dL indicates significant malnutrition and protein deficiency, compromising immune function and wound healing. This also suggests a chronic issue requiring dietetic intervention and nutritional rehabilitation.

E. Potassium: Potassium at 3.0 mEq/L is dangerously low and a known contributor to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Replenishment and close monitoring are critical to avoid complications such as cardiac arrest.

F. Sodium: Although sodium is only slightly low at 134 mEq/L, in the context of purging and poor intake, this could indicate dilutional hyponatremia. It increases seizure risk and needs assessment of fluid status and intake behaviors.