A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?

Choice A Reason: This is a correct choice. Standing next to the client when speaking is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it helps the client hear better and see the nurse's facial expressions and lip movements. The nurse should also speak clearly and slowly, use simple words and sentences, and avoid covering their mouth.

Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Guiding the client away from background noise is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it reduces distractions and interference with hearing. The nurse should also choose a well-lit and quiet place for communication and turn off any unnecessary devices or appliances.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Providing a copy of the instructions printed in Braille is not an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it is not helpful for clients with hearing loss. Braille is a system of raised dots that represents letters and numbers for people who are blind or visually impaired. The nurse should provide a copy of the instructions printed in large font or use pictures or diagrams to supplement verbal information.

Choice D Reason: This is a correct choice. Repeating any phrases that the client misunderstands is an action that the nurse should plan to take, as it ensures comprehension and clarification of important information. The nurse should also ask open-ended questions, encourage feedback, and summarize key points at the end of the conversation.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because portal hypertension means that there is high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis, it becomes scarred and obstructs the blood flow, causing increased pressure in the portal vein. This leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, called ascites, which causes abdominal swelling.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because portal hypertension is not caused by the heart overworking but by liver damage. The heart does not pump blood into the portal vein, but into the hepatic artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because portal hypertension does not develop when cirrhosis begins to resolve, but when it progresses. Cirrhosis is a chronic condition that causes irreversible scarring of the liver tissue, which worsens over time and increases portal hypertension.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because eating high-sodium foods and a stressful lifestyle do not cause portal hypertension, but they can aggravate it. High-sodium foods can increase fluid retention and worsen ascites, while stress can increase blood pressure and worsen bleeding complications. The nurse should advise the client to limit sodium intake and manage stress levels.