After years of struggling with weight management, a middle-aged adult client is evaluated for gastroplasty.
The client has experienced difficulty with managing diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but is approved for surgery.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Choice A rationale

Replacing paper trash bags with plastic biohazard bags is not typically necessary in a mental health unit unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This action would not specifically address the safety needs of a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis16.

Choice B rationale

Removing soft drink cans from the nurse’s desk and patient lounge is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. This action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.

Choice C rationale

Confiscating the patient’s cellular phone and providing a room telephone is not typically necessary for ensuring a safe environment for a patient with depression following a positive HIV diagnosis. While some facilities may have policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices, this action does not directly address the patient’s mental health needs16.

Choice D rationale

Ensuring that prescribed medications are securely stored in the room is the correct action. This is a standard safety measure in healthcare settings to prevent medication errors and misuse. It is particularly important for patients with depression who may be at risk for self-harm16.

Choice A rationale

Assisting the spouse and carefully giving the patient small sips of water may seem like a compassionate action. However, it could potentially lead to aspiration if the patient’s swallowing reflex is compromised, which is common in stroke patients.

Choice B rationale

While obtaining thickening powder before providing any more fluids can help prevent aspiration in patients with dysphagia, it is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse first needs to assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.

Choice C rationale

The nurse should ask the spouse to stop and assess the patient’s swallowing reflex. This is the most immediate and appropriate action. Stroke patients often have impaired swallowing reflexes, which can lead to aspiration if not properly managed. By assessing the swallowing reflex, the nurse can determine the best course of action to ensure the patient’s safety.

Choice D rationale

Giving the spouse a straw to help facilitate the patient’s drinking is not the best course of action. Straws can increase the risk of aspiration in patients with impaired swallowing reflexes. The nurse should first assess the patient’s swallowing reflex before deciding on the appropriate intervention.