A nurse in an urgent care clinic is collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings indicates hypokalemia?

a ."I will take a stool softener to prevent constipation."

Explanation:

The statement that indicates an understanding of the instructions is "I will take a stool softener to prevent constipation."

Explanation for the other options:

b. "I will ask to work the night shift, so I will not be driving in bright sunlight."

This statement is incorrect. The need to work the night shift to avoid bright sunlight does not relate to the discharge instructions for a client postoperative following laser surgery for open-angle glaucoma. The primary focus of discharge teaching for this condition would be related to eye care, medication administration, and follow-up appointments.

c. "I will need to use my eye drops for 1 year."

This statement is incorrect. While eye drops are commonly prescribed for open-angle glaucoma, the duration of their use can vary based on the individual's condition and the healthcare provider's instructions. The client should follow the specific instructions given by their healthcare provider regarding the frequency and duration of eye drop use.

d. "I will need to follow a low-protein diet."

This statement is incorrect. A low-protein diet is not typically part of the discharge instructions for a client postoperative following laser surgery for open-angle glaucoma. The focus of dietary recommendations for open-angle glaucoma is on maintaining a healthy diet and managing other health conditions that may affect intraocular pressure, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

In summary, the statement that demonstrates an understanding of the discharge instructions for a client postoperative following laser surgery for open-angle glaucoma is "I will take a stool softener to prevent constipation." This indicates the client's awareness of the importance of preventing constipation, which can be a side effect of some medications prescribed after surgery.

A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations and cyanosis indicates severe respiratory distress or failure. In this situation, the client's oxygenation is compromised, and immediate intervention is needed to ensure an open and unobstructed airway. The nurse should prioritize ensuring the client has a patent airway by assessing for any airway obstruction and taking appropriate measures to clear the airway if necessary. This may involve techniques such as the head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver.

While administering oxygen, checking the client's pulse rate, and placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger are all important interventions in managing respiratory distress, the first and most critical step is to establish a patent airway. Without a clear airway, the client's oxygenation cannot be adequately addressed, and other interventions may be ineffective. Once the airway is secured, the nurse can proceed with providing oxygen, assessing the client's vital signs, and monitoring oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.