A client is learning about diet choices that will increase wound healing after a total knee replacement.
What diet selection would indicate that the client understands the correct foods to choose for that outcome to happen?

This is because the nurse’s reply does not address the client’s fear of radiation therapy, but rather provides factual information that may not be relevant or helpful to the client.

The nurse is not using a therapeutic communication technique, such as reflecting, exploring, or validating the client’s feelings.

Instead, the nurse is shutting down the communication and missing an opportunity to learn more about the client’s concerns and needs.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not confronting a painful subject, but rather avoiding it.

The nurse is not acknowledging the client’s fear or inviting the client to talk more about it.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse is not recognizing that the client needs information, but rather assuming that the client does.

The nurse is not asking the client what he or she wants to know about radiation therapy, but rather telling the client what he or she should know.

Choice D is wrong because the nurse is not perceiving that the client is ready to hear more about the treatment, but rather imposing information on the client.

The nurse is not assessing the client’s readiness to learn, but rather giving unsolicited advice.

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