A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports recently using methylenedioxyphenol-methamphetamine. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Explanation

C. Position the client on their left side

The symptoms of feeling dizzy, racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back are consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome or vena cava syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing a drop-in blood pressure.

Positioning the client on their left side helps alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, allowing for improved blood flow and preventing further symptoms. This position optimizes blood circulation and reduces the risk of complications. The nurse should assist the client in turning onto their left side and ensure they are comfortable.

Providing the client with a glass of orange juice (option A) is not recommended as it may be helpful in cases of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, but it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario.

Instructing the client to take a brisk walk (option B) is not recommended since physical exertion can further worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of complications.

Checking the client's temperature (option D) is not necessary as the reported symptoms are not indicative of a fever or infection.

Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to position the client on their left side (option C).

Elevating the head of the bed while sleeping is a recommended strategy for managing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). By raising the head of the bed, gravity helps to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and associated symptoms.

"You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day" is not recommended for GERD management. Instead, it is advised to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the pressure on the stomach and minimize the likelihood of acid reflux.

"You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal" is not recommended for GERD management. It is advised to avoid lying down immediately after meals, as this can increase the risk of acid reflux. It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.

"You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day" is a specific recommendation related to caffeine intake, which can potentially trigger or worsen GERD symptoms in some individuals. However, this statement alone does not encompass the comprehensive dietary recommendations for managing GERD.