An adult woman with Grave’s disease is admitted with severe dehydration and malnutrition. She is currently restless and refusing to eat. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A reason: Teaching the client relaxation techniques is a helpful action that the nurse can implement, but it is not the most important one. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery, can help the client cope with stress, anxiety, and agitation, which are common symptoms of Grave’s disease, a condition that causes hyperthyroidism and overactivity of the thyroid gland. However, relaxation techniques alone cannot address the client’s physical needs, such as hydration, nutrition, and electrolyte balance, which are more urgent and critical.

Choice B reason: Determining the client’s food preferences is a considerate action that the nurse can implement, but it is not the most important one. Food preferences, such as taste, texture, temperature, and variety, can affect the client’s appetite and willingness to eat, which are important factors for maintaining adequate nutrition and weight. However, food preferences may not be the main reason for the client’s refusal to eat, and they may not be enough to overcome the client’s metabolic demands, which are increased by Grave’s disease.

Choice C reason: Maintaining a patent intravenous site is the most important action that the nurse should implement, given the client’s situation. A patent intravenous site can allow the nurse to administer fluids, electrolytes, medications, and nutrients to the client, who is at risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and complications from Grave’s disease, such as thyroid storm, cardiac arrhythmias, and infection. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs, fluid intake and output, blood glucose, and thyroid function tests, and adjust the intravenous therapy accordingly.

Choice D reason: Keeping room temperature cool is a supportive action that the nurse can implement, but it is not the most important one. Room temperature can affect the client’s comfort and thermoregulation, which are impaired by Grave’s disease, which causes heat intolerance, sweating, and fever. However, room temperature alone cannot correct the underlying hormonal imbalance or the systemic effects of Grave’s disease, and it may not be sufficient to prevent the client from becoming restless and agitated.

Choice A reason: Whole milk and ice cream are high in fat, which can trigger the inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and the formation of gallstones. The client should avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, cheese, butter, cream, and fatty meats.

Choice B reason: Citrus fruit and melon with a salt substitute are not a problem for a client with cholecystitis, unless they have other conditions that require dietary modifications, such as diabetes or kidney disease. The client should eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins.

Choice C reason: Pasta with herbal butter and no meat sauce is also acceptable for a client with cholecystitis, as long as the butter is used sparingly and the pasta is not cooked with oil or cheese. The client should limit the intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, and sugar, and choose whole grains instead.

Choice D reason: Canned vegetables with additional table salt are not recommended for a client with cholecystitis, because they are high in sodium, which can increase the risk of fluid retention and hypertension. The client should reduce the intake of salt and processed foods, such as canned soups, sauces, and snacks, and use herbs and spices to flavor the food.