The nurse plans to collect a 24 hour urine specimen for a creatinine clearance test. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the adult male client?

A. Hydrocortisone: Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient cortisol production. The client’s symptoms, including weakness, confusion, and dehydration, along with laboratory values indicating low sodium, low glucose, and elevated potassium, suggest an adrenal crisis. Hydrocortisone is the primary.

B. Regular insulin: Regular insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels, but the client’s glucose level is already low, not high. Insulin could worsen the client's hypoglycemia. The focus should be on correcting the cortisol deficiency rather than administering insulin.

C. Broad spectrum antibiotic: While antibiotics may be needed if there’s a concern for infection, there’s no evidence of active infection here. The priority is addressing the client's Addisonian crisis, which is primarily treated with hydrocortisone, not antibiotics.

D. Potassium chloride: The client's potassium is elevated (5.3 mEq/L), but potassium chloride is not indicated in this case. The priority is to manage the underlying adrenal crisis, which will address the electrolyte imbalance.

A. Electrolytes: Electrolytes are important to monitor in this client due to potential blood loss and altered kidney function. Electrolyte imbalances (especially sodium and potassium) can affect heart function, muscle strength, and overall fluid balance, which is crucial after trauma and surgery.

B. Coagulation studies: Given the trauma (liver and spleen lacerations), the client is at risk for bleeding. Coagulation studies (including PT, INR, and aPTT) are necessary to assess the clotting ability and manage bleeding risk, particularly before surgery or when planning for interventions.

C. Blood culture: While blood cultures are important for identifying infections, there is no immediate indication of infection in this patient at this point in time. The priority is stabilizing the patient and managing trauma and bleeding.

D. Lipid panel: A lipid panel is not a priority at this moment. It is generally used to assess cardiovascular risk and would not provide immediate information relevant to managing acute trauma and bleeding.

E. Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is essential to assess for anemia, infection, or other hematologic abnormalities, especially in trauma patients with possible internal bleeding. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels provide information about blood loss and oxygen-carrying capacity.

F. Urine osmolality: Urine osmolality is useful for assessing kidney function and hydration but is not immediately necessary in this trauma case. The priority is stabilizing the patient's circulatory and respiratory status, with more focus on urine output and renal function.

G. Arterial blood gas (ABG): An ABG is crucial to assess the client’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status, especially since the client is intubated and on a ventilator. This will help in monitoring respiratory function and ensuring proper oxygen delivery.

H. Type and screen: The client has a history of trauma and potential internal bleeding. It is essential to know her blood type and ensure compatibility for any potential blood transfusions, particularly before the exploratory laparotomy and any possible further blood loss.