A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who is overusing prescribed diuretics and has a sodium level of 127 mEq/L. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:
Placing the client on droplet precautions is appropriate for bacterial meningitis, as it is spread through respiratory droplets. This measure helps prevent the spread of infection to others.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should clarify the prescription to perform a cranial nerve assessment every 2 hours. While cranial nerve assessment is crucial in monitoring neurological status, performing it every 2 hours is excessive and not supported by evidence-based practice. Frequent assessments can be uncomfortable for the client and may not provide additional meaningful information within such a short interval.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client out of bed three times per day is essential for promoting mobility and preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and muscle weakness. This prescription is appropriate and does not require clarification.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing the client's weight daily is essential in monitoring fluid balance and nutritional status. There is no need to clarify this prescription, as it is a standard practice in caring for clients with bacterial meningitis.

Answer: D. Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure.

Rationale:

A) Provide teaching about the surgical procedure for the client:

While nurses play an essential role in patient education, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to ensure the patient fully understands the details, risks, and benefits. Nurses can clarify information but should not provide the initial comprehensive explanation of the procedure.

B) Instruct the client's spouse to sign the consent form:

The client is the one who needs to provide informed consent, not the spouse, unless the client is legally unable to do so. In such cases, legal documentation, such as a power of attorney, is required. Instructing the spouse to sign without proper authorization is inappropriate and potentially legally problematic.

C) Read the consent form to the client using words the client will understand:

While simplifying the language of the consent form can help, it is not sufficient if the client does not fully understand the procedure. Full understanding requires a detailed discussion about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, which should be done by the provider performing the procedure.

D) Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure:

The provider performing the procedure has the responsibility to ensure the client understands all aspects of the surgery. Contacting the provider to provide a thorough explanation ensures that the client receives accurate and complete information, allowing for truly informed consent.