A client is admitted to the intensive care unit with diabetes insipidus due to a pituitary gland tumor.

Which potential complication should the nurse monitor closely?

Choice A rationale:

Referring the client to a social worker for support therapy may be premature at this stage. The client's initial reaction may be due to fear or anxiety about the diagnosis and self-administration of insulin. Pushing the client into therapy without assessing their readiness may not be appropriate.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to implement relaxation techniques assumes that the client is open to learning and just needs help with anxiety management. However, the client's refusal to have the nurse in the room suggests that they are not currently receptive to teaching. It's important to address the client's emotional state first.

Choice C rationale:

Leaving the client's room and returning later in the day is the most appropriate initial action. The client's loud refusal indicates a need for privacy and emotional space. By respecting the client's wishes and revisiting the teaching later, the nurse can establish trust and build a better rapport.

Choice D rationale:

Explaining that insulin is a life-saving drug is informative but may not be effective in this situation, as the client has already requested the nurse to leave the room. Providing information about the importance of insulin should come after establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

Choice D rationale:

"Antiembolism stockings on, leg exercises performed hourly" indicates that activities to prevent postoperative venous stasis were performed correctly. This combination ensures both mechanical prophylaxis (antiembolism stockings) and physical activity (leg exercises) to prevent blood clots in postoperative patients.

Choice A rationale:

"Leg exercises not performed because of placement of antiembolism hose" is not the correct approach. Leg exercises should be encouraged even when antiembolism stockings are worn, as they have complementary benefits in preventing venous stasis.

Choice B rationale:

"Antiembolism stockings removed hourly during leg exercises" is not recommended. Antiembolism stockings should be worn continuously to be effective in preventing venous stasis.

Choice C rationale:

"Client demonstrates the ability to move all extremities well" is a good sign of the client's mobility but does not confirm that the specific activities to prevent postoperative venous stasis were performed correctly. The combination of stockings and leg exercises is more comprehensive.