A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a young adult client who requires suturing of a laceration. The client tells the nurse, "My family should have been here by now. I can't go through this without them." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale

A. Replace the infusion pump: If an infusion pump malfunctions, the immediate action is to stop the malfunctioning device and replace it with a functioning pump to ensure the client receives the prescribed IV fluids or medications safely and accurately. Prompt replacement prevents medication errors or interruption of therapy.

B. Plug the infusion pump into a grounded outlet: While using a grounded outlet is important for electrical safety, simply plugging in the malfunctioning pump does not resolve device errors or ensure proper function. The pump may still deliver incorrect flow rates.

C. Notify the housekeeping department: Housekeeping is not responsible for the maintenance or repair of medical devices. Notifying them would not address the malfunction or protect the client from potential harm.

D. Check the expiration date on the safety inspection sticker: While verifying inspection dates is part of routine equipment checks, it does not address an immediate malfunction. The priority is to replace the pump to maintain safe and continuous therapy.

Rationale

A. "You should follow a low cholesterol diet.": While limiting cholesterol is important for cardiovascular health, it is not the most essential dietary focus for managing blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. This recommendation addresses long-term heart health rather than immediate glycemic control.

B. "You should follow a diet high in vegetables, fiber, and uncooked fruit.": Increasing fiber and vegetable intake is beneficial for overall health and glycemic control, but it is part of the broader strategy. It does not provide the complete framework for managing macronutrient balance in diabetes.

C. "You should follow a low sodium diet.": A low-sodium diet helps reduce hypertension risk, which is important in clients with diabetes, but it is not the primary teaching priority for blood glucose management. Sodium restriction addresses cardiovascular risk rather than immediate diabetic control.

D. "You should follow a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.": Teaching clients to maintain a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake is the priority because it directly affects blood glucose regulation. Understanding macronutrient distribution helps prevent hyperglycemia and supports long-term diabetes management.