When caring for a client with severe diarrhea, which focused assessment is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to complete before reporting to the charge nurse?

A. The amount of fluid the client drank today: Although fluid intake affects weight, daily weights are intended to reflect overall fluid and nutritional changes over time, not just today's intake. Monitoring intake is important but not the most critical factor in conducting daily weights consistently.
B. When the client wants to be weighed: While respecting the client's preferences is important for cooperation, clinical accuracy requires consistency in timing and conditions, not simply weighing at the client's preferred time.
C. When the client was last weighed: Knowing when the client was last weighed ensures consistency and accuracy for monitoring trends. Daily weights should be taken at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before eating and after voiding, to accurately track fluid balance and body mass changes.
D. The amount of food the client ate today: Food intake affects weight slightly, but the purpose of daily weights is to detect significant changes, such as fluid retention or loss. Weighing under consistent conditions matters more than focusing on the day's food intake.

A. Increase the daily oral fluid intake: Increasing fluid intake is one of the best non-pharmacological strategies to prevent constipation, especially in older adults. Adequate hydration helps soften stool, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports overall digestive health during travel and routine changes.
B. Decrease the fat content in your diet: Reducing dietary fat is more related to managing cardiovascular health rather than preventing constipation. Fats themselves do not contribute significantly to constipation, and this advice would not directly address the client's specific concern.
C. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener: While stool softeners can be useful, recommending their routine use without first trying dietary and lifestyle modifications is not the best initial approach. Relying on medications can sometimes lead to dependency or mask underlying issues.
D. Eat a high-protein diet: High-protein diets without sufficient fiber and fluids can actually worsen constipation. Protein is important for overall health, but preventing constipation primarily requires fiber intake and adequate hydration rather than increased protein alone.