A nurse is assisting with food selection for a client who follows kosher dietary traditions.

Which of the following food choices should the nurse include on the client’s food tray?

The correct answer is choice D. Speak directly to the client. This is because the nurse should establish eye contact and rapport with the client, not the interpreter, and show respect for the client’s culture and autonomy. The nurse should also use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and slang, and speak in short sentences.

Choice A is wrong because using gestures to convey meaning can be confusing or offensive to some cultures. The nurse should avoid relying on nonverbal communication and ask the interpreter for clarification if needed.

Choice B is wrong because pausing in the middle of sentences can disrupt the flow of communication and make it harder for the interpreter to translate accurately. The nurse should pause at the end of each complete thought or sentence to allow the interpreter to relay the information.

Choice C is wrong because speaking slowly when talking to the interpreter can imply that the interpreter is incompetent or unintelligent. The nurse should speak at a normal pace and tone, and allow enough time for the interpreter to translate.

Choice A reason

Weight loss is not the correct answer: Weight loss is not a common side effect of simvastatin. In fact, weight loss is generally not associated with statin use. If the client experiences significant, unintentional weight loss, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.

Choice B reason:

Muscle weakness is the correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report any muscle weakness to the healthcare provider when taking simvastatin. Simvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While statins are generally well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause muscle-related side effects, including muscle weakness or pain.

Rhabdomyolysis, a severe condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibres, is a rare but serious side effect of statin use. Muscle weakness may be an early sign of this condition. Therefore, if the client experiences any unexplained or persistent muscle weakness while taking simvastatin, it should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason

Fever is not the correct answer: Fever is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client develops a fever while taking simvastatin, it is more likely to be related to another condition and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.

Choice D reason:

Edema is the correct answer: Edema (swelling) is not a common side effect of simvastatin. If the client experiences significant edema, especially in the extremities, it may indicate another underlying issue that should be reported to the provider.