A client whose first child was delivered by cesarean section is 20 weeks pregnant with her second child and wishes to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). What information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain?

The appropriate action for the practical nurse (PN) in this situation would be to ask the client if he is currently hearing voices. This step is important to assess the client's current state and gather information about his experiences. By directly asking the client about hearing voices, the PN can gain insight into the client's symptoms and determine if there is a need for further intervention or support.
B. Having the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) escort the client to his room may not be necessary at this point, as the client may simply be engaging in self-talk or may prefer some time alone. However, if the client's behavior becomes disruptive, agitated, or poses a safety risk, involving the UAP or taking other appropriate measures may be warranted.
C. Recording the event is important for documentation purposes, but it should not be the only action taken. It is crucial to actively assess the client's well-being and address any potential concerns or needs.
D. Administering an as-needed (PRN) dose of haloperidol without further assessment or consulting the healthcare provider would be inappropriate. Medication decisions should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the client's symptoms and the healthcare provider's recommendations.

Has the child eaten recently? This is the correct and most important question to ask before administering insulin. The timing and content of the child's recent meals will directly impact their blood sugar levels and help determine the appropriate insulin dose. Insulin is typically administered in correlation with meals to maintain blood sugar within a target range and prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia.

A. Did the child perform a fingerstick? While checking the child's blood glucose level is an important part of diabetes management, it is not the most crucial piece of information to gather before administering insulin. The PN should prioritize knowing whether the child has eaten recently, as insulin administration should be coordinated with meals to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

B. How much did the child exercise today? Physical activity can affect blood sugar levels, but it is not the most critical information to obtain before administering insulin. The PN should focus on the child's food intake because insulin doses need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

C. When did the child last urinate? While monitoring urinary patterns is important in assessing hydration and kidney function, it is not directly related to determining the appropriate insulin dose. The PN should prioritize gathering information about the child's recent food intake, as insulin administration needs to be coordinated with meals.