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?

Answer: D

Rationale:

A) Collect 2 mL of sputum in an emesis basin: Collecting sputum in an emesis basin is inappropriate for laboratory testing. The sputum should be collected directly into a sterile container to prevent contamination. This ensures that the culture and sensitivity results are accurate and reflect the client's true respiratory pathogens.

B) Instruct the client to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to specimen collection: Using an antiseptic mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample is not recommended because it may alter the flora present in the sputum, leading to inaccurate culture results. Instead, the client should rinse their mouth with plain water to clear excess saliva or food debris.

C) Swab the oropharynx with a sterile swab: Swabbing the oropharynx does not obtain sputum from the lungs but instead gathers a sample from the throat, which may not be reflective of lower respiratory infections. A proper sputum sample is produced through a deep cough to collect material directly from the lungs.

D) Refrigerate the specimen until the time of transport to the laboratory: Refrigerating the sputum specimen helps to preserve its integrity by preventing the overgrowth of bacteria or other pathogens until it can be transported to the laboratory. Proper refrigeration ensures that the culture and sensitivity results remain accurate.

b. A client who has hemiparesis and lives alone.

Explanation:

The correct answer is b. A client who has hemiparesis and lives alone.

An interdisciplinary care conference involves the collaboration of multiple healthcare professionals from different disciplines to develop a comprehensive care plan for a client. In this scenario, the client with hemiparesis who lives alone requires an interdisciplinary care conference because their condition and living situation present complex challenges.

Clients who had surgery for cataract removal and live in a rural location (option a) may require support with transportation and follow-up appointments, but it does not necessarily warrant an interdisciplinary care conference.

A client who requires assistance to pay for dressing supplies (option c) may benefit from financial counseling or resources, but it does not typically require the involvement of multiple healthcare professionals in a care conference.

A client who requires instruction regarding medication administration (option d) can typically receive education from a nurse or pharmacist without the need for an interdisciplinary care conference.

In contrast, the client with hemiparesis who lives alone may require input from various professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and home healthcare providers to address their physical limitations, safety concerns, and support needs. Therefore, an interdisciplinary care conference is necessary to develop a comprehensive discharge plan that addresses all aspects of their care and promotes their well-being in the community.