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 choiced. A client who is taking warfarin and has an INR of 1.8.

Choice A rationale:

An induration after a Mantoux test indicates a positive reaction, but it does not necessarily require immediate follow-up unless the induration is significant and the client has risk factors for tuberculosis.

Choice B rationale:

Sodium phosphate is commonly used as a bowel preparation for colonoscopy. This does not typically require follow-up unless the client experiences adverse effects such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Therefore, this finding does not require follow-up.

Choice D rationale:

An INR of 1.8 for a client taking warfarin is below the therapeutic range for most indications (typically 2.0-3.0). This requires follow-up to adjust the warfarin dosage to achieve the desired anticoagulation effect.

The correct answer is choice D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

This is because the child is at risk for developing peritonitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain.

Scheduled analgesics can provide better pain relief than PRN analgesics.

Choice A is wrong because the child should not be given anything by mouth until bowel sounds return, which can take up to 24 hr after surgery.

Giving clear liquids too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Choice B is wrong because cromolyn nebulized solution is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat appendicitis.

There is no indication that the child has asthma or needs this medication.

Choice C is wrong because applying a warm compress to the operative site can increase inflammation and infection risk.

A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and pain, but only if prescribed by the provider.