A client with obesity is prescribed orlistat for weight loss. The client asks the nurse, "I understand the medication prevents digestion of fat, but what side effects does this cause?" Which of the following responses by the nurse are correct? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. RBC stands for red blood cells, which carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The normal range for RBC is 4-5.5 /mm^3^, so a value of 4.2 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice B reason: This is a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. WBC stands for white blood cells, which fight infections and inflammation in the body. The normal range for WBC is 5-10 /mm^3^, so a value of 17 /mm^3^ is above the normal range and indicates leukocytosis, which is an increase in the number of white blood cells. Leukocytosis can be caused by acute appendicitis, as the body tries to fight the infection and inflammation in the appendix.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are the first to respond to bacterial infections. The normal range for neutrophils is 3-5.8 /mm^3^, so a value of 3.2 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that are involved in the immune response and the production of antibodies. The normal range for lymphocytes is 1-4 /mm^3^, so a value of 3 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice A reason: Calling the doctor for more antiemetic medication is not the best intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Antiemetics are drugs that prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, but they may have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation. The nurse should first try non-pharmacological measures to relieve the patient's nausea, such as giving small sips of water, providing a cool and quiet environment, or using aromatherapy.

Choice B reason: Giving the patient small sips of tepid water is the best intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Water can help hydrate the patient and dilute any stomach acid that may cause irritation. Tepid water is water that is slightly warm, which can be more soothing than cold or hot water. Small sips can prevent the patient from swallowing too much air, which can worsen nausea and vomiting.

Choice C reason: Helping the patient lay supine is not a good intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Supine means lying flat on the back, which can increase the risk of aspiration, or inhaling food or fluids into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection. The nurse should help the patient lay on their side, with their head elevated, to prevent aspiration and reduce pressure on the stomach.

Choice D reason: Showing the patient how to use the patient-controlled analgesia is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Patient-controlled analgesia is a system that allows the patient to self-administer pain medication through an IV pump. It has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting, and may even cause them as side effects. The nurse should monitor the patient's pain level and adjust the analgesia settings as needed, but not as a way to treat nausea.