The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is ordered nothing by mouth (NPO) after a small bowel resection. The client's nasogastric (NG) tube is connected to low intermitent suction. The client reports dizziness and tingling in digits.

Which assessment finding by the PN should be reported to the healthcare provider?

The correct answer is

Choice D rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should review the client's risk factors for exercise intolerance that impact his quality of life. By doing so, the PN can assess the client's overall health and identify any potential issues that might contribute to his fatigue. This response shows the PN's concern for the client's well-being and is focused on exploring the root cause of his tiredness.

Choice A rationale:

Determining if the client can move to a residential home without lawn maintenance is not appropriate in response to his complaint about feeling tired. This option does not address the underlying issue and assumes the client is unable to care for his own lawn, which may not be the case.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending that the client retires from doing outdoor chores is also not appropriate. It assumes the client's fatigue is solely due to his age and disregards the possibility of other contributing factors that might be addressed.

Choice C rationale:

Advising the client that fatigue is a common characteristic of aging is not a comprehensive response. While fatigue can be related to aging, it is crucial to explore the specific reasons for the client's tiredness before assuming it is solely age-related.

The correct answer is choice B. Notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery. Choice A rationale:

Reminding the client that the consent has already been obtained does not address the client's current fears and uncertainty about undergoing the surgery. It may come across as dismissive and unsupportive of the client's emotional needs.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer because notifying the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery allows the nursing team to provide the necessary support and address the client's emotional needs appropriately. The charge nurse can assess the client's anxiety level, discuss the procedure, and involve the healthcare provider if needed to ensure the client is well-

informed and comfortable with their decision. Choice C rationale:

Documenting the client's expressed concerns about the surgery is essential for accurate documentation but does not provide the immediate support and intervention the client may require.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to continue with the scheduled surgery without addressing their fears and uncertainty may not be appropriate. The client's emotional well-being should be a priority, and they should feel supported in their decision-making process.