The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration. Which instructions should the nurse give this patient related to fluid intake?

Choice A reason: A 68-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes who has peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain is not the most urgent patient to assess. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves, especially in the feet and legs. It can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, or pain. The nurse should assess the patient's foot condition, provide pain relief, and educate the patient on foot care. However, this patient is not in immediate danger, and can wait until the nurse finishes assessing the more critical patient.

Choice B reason: A 35-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL is not the most critical patient to assess. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not produce any insulin, a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to control their blood glucose level. A blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL is above the normal range of 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals, and indicates hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The nurse should check the patient's insulin dose, monitor the patient's symptoms, and provide education on blood glucose management. However, this patient is not in life-threatening condition, and can wait until the nurse attends to the more serious patient.

Choice C reason: A 60-year-old patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome with dry oral mucosa and low urine output is the most important patient to assess. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) is a severe complication of diabetes that occurs when the blood glucose level is extremely high, usually above 600 mg/dL. HHS can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and coma. Dry oral mucosa and low urine output are signs of dehydration, which can lead to shock and organ failure. The nurse should assess the patient's vital signs, blood glucose level, fluid and electrolyte status, and neurological function. The nurse should also administer intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolytes as prescribed by the health care provider. This patient is in a medical emergency, and needs immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: A 19-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon is not the most acute patient to assess. Dawn phenomenon is a condition where the blood glucose level rises in the early morning, usually between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This is due to the release of hormones that increase the blood glucose level, such as growth hormone, cortisol, and glucagon. The nurse should review the patient's blood glucose records, adjust the insulin dose or timing, and provide education on how to prevent or manage the dawn phenomenon. However, this patient is not in a critical situation, and can wait until the nurse evaluates the more unstable patient.

Choice A reason: This statement is false. A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, not retention.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Choice D reason: This statement is true. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hypokalemia, or low blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and metabolic alkalosis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and potassium in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to potassium loss in the urine.