A client asks a nurse how long a heat application should be left in place. Which response should the nurse make?

A 37-year-old who has insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has the greatest need for special mouth care. This is because diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the mouth, leading to dry mouth, gum disease, infections, and delayed healing. Special mouth care for this client would include regular brushing and flossing, using a soft toothbrush or foam brush, rinsing with water or saline, checking for signs of inflammation or infection, and avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks.

Choice B is wrong because a 58-year-old who wears dentures does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client.

Dentures can be removed and cleaned with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner, and soaked overnight in a denture solution. The gums and mouth should also be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush or gauze.

Choice C is wrong because a 26-year-old who is on bed rest does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client. Bed rest can cause dry mouth and plaque accumulation, but these can be prevented by regular brushing and rinsing, drinking water frequently, and using sugar-free gum or lozenges.

Choice D is wrong because a 45-year-old who is NPO (nothing by mouth) does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client. NPO can cause dry mouth and bad breath, but these can be alleviated by regular rinsing with water or saline, applying water-based lip balm or moisturizer, and using artificial saliva products if needed.

This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.

Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of

calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.

Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.

The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:

• Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Chloride: 96 to 106