A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is notified about a mass casualty event that recently took place in the community.

Which of the following assignments should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

"Tell me about your coping strategies and support system." This is an appropriate statement during the assessment of a client with panic disorder. Understanding the client's coping mechanisms and support system can help the nurse tailor the care plan to the client's specific needs and strengths.

Choice B rationale:

"How often do you experience panic attacks and what triggers them?" While this question may be relevant, it focuses primarily on the frequency and triggers of panic attacks. While this information is important, it doesn't address coping strategies or support systems, which are equally important aspects of the assessment.

Choice C rationale:

"What medications are you currently taking for your panic disorder?" This question is essential for medication management but does not directly address coping strategies or support systems, which are more pertinent to the assessment in this context.

Choice D rationale:

"Have you ever had any laboratory tests done for your panic disorder?" This question is not relevant to the assessment of panic disorder. Panic disorder is primarily diagnosed based on clinical criteria and does not require specific laboratory tests.

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the 24-hour intake at the current infusion rate is not the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider in this case. It is essential to monitor intake and output, but a single report of the 24-hour intake is not as critical as other findings.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.1 mmol/L) is the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider. The patient's potassium level is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can have serious cardiac and neuromuscular effects, including arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Prompt intervention, such as potassium supplementation or adjustment of IV fluids, is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening condition.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting a gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider, but it is not as urgent as the low potassium level. Gastric output should be monitored to assess for signs of improvement or worsening, but hypokalemia takes precedence due to its immediate health risks.

Choice D rationale:

Reporting an increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is important for the overall assessment of the patient's renal function but is not the most critical finding in this scenario. The low potassium level is a more immediate concern and requires immediate attention.