Patient Data

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is stable for discharge.

The client has rested well throughout the night with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device in place. Sequential devices are in place for venous thromboembolism prevention. The client ambulated 100 yards (91 meters) last night and 200 yards (183 meters) this morning. She reports pain rating of 2 on 0 to 10 scale, located in the abdomen, described as aching. She has tolerated fluids throughout the night with no nausea or vomiting.

Assessment findings

Neurological Alert and oriented times 4.

Cardiovascular WNL.

Respiratory WNL.

Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Voided twice throughout night, urine clear amber in appearance. Reports no dysuria. No bowel movement but the client is passing gas.

Integumentary 4 abdominal incisions from laparoscopic procedure sealed with surgical glue. No drainage, redness, or edema present.

Musculoskeletal Reported chronic knee pain. 5+ strength in bilateral upper extremities, 5+ strength in bilateral lower extremities.

Choice A reason:Deferring to the provider does not address the confidentiality issue; it suggests the nurse is unwilling rather than clarifying the legal obligation to protect an adult client’s health information.

Choice B reason: By stating that only the client can authorize release of their own medical data, the nurse accurately reflects HIPAA and patient‑privacy regulations for an adult. This response both informs the parent and upholds the client’s right to confidentiality.

Choice C reason: This response is inappropriate and unprofessional. It fails to acknowledge the parent's concern and does not provide a constructive way to address the situation.

Choice D reason: While this response may seem helpful, it is not the nurse's role to promise lab results, especially when there are privacy laws that restrict the sharing of medical information with anyone other than the patient unless consent has been given.

Choice A Reason: Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). The client’s fasting blood glucose level is 122 mg/dL (6.8 mmol/L), which is above the normal range, thus ruling out hypoglycemia.

Choice B Reason: Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed when the fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests1. The client’s level is slightly below this threshold, suggesting that he does not currently have diabetes mellitus but is at risk.

Choice C Reason: Prediabetes is indicated by a fasting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)1. The client’s level falls within this range, indicating that he has higher than normal blood glucose levels but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, hence prediabetes.

Choice D Reason: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is not applicable to this male client.

Option i Reason: Fatty liver disease is not directly indicated by the laboratory results provided and is typically associated with elevated liver enzymes and imaging findings.

Option ii Reason: Occupational factors are not directly related to the fasting blood glucose levels.

Option iii Reason: Lack of insulin production is a characteristic of type 1 diabetes, which is not indicated by the client’s fasting blood glucose level alone.

Option iv Reason: Impaired glucose tolerance is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is a characteristic of prediabetes and is indicated by the client’s fasting blood glucose level.