A nurse is caring for a 26-year-old gravida 2 para 1 client in the labor and delivery unit.

Exhibits

Click to indicate which interventions the nurse would include in the plan of care to support the expected outcomes of adequate epidural anesthesia on the mother and the fetus. Each column must have at least one response selected.

Choice A rationale

Assessing serum potassium levels every 4 hours is essential for clients receiving insulin to treat hyperkalemia. Insulin promotes the uptake of potassium into cells, potentially leading to hypokalemia. Frequent monitoring ensures prompt detection of abnormal potassium levels, enabling timely intervention.

Choice B rationale

Although glucose monitoring is important, it is not the priority. Insulin administration affects potassium levels more significantly in this scenario, and glucose level fluctuations are typically less life-threatening than potassium imbalances.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring intake and output is standard practice for managing clients with electrolyte imbalances. However, it does not directly address the primary concern of potassium level fluctuations caused by insulin administration.

Choice D rationale

A daily 12-lead electrocardiogram may provide useful information on the cardiac effects of electrolyte imbalances but is less immediate in detecting rapid potassium changes than frequent serum potassium measurements.

Choice A rationale: While psychological assessment is important, it is not the primary focus for assessing outcomes in this case. The client's physical health conditions and the impact on her daily living and functional ability are more directly relevant.

Choice B rationale: Financial security is not the primary concern in this context. The primary focus is on the client's health and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which is addressed by evaluating functional improvement.

Choice C rationale: Quality of life is a broad concept that includes many aspects such as emotional, social, and physical well-being. While it is relevant, the primary outcome measure in this context is the client's functional improvement related to her health conditions and ability to manage ADLs.

Choice D rationale: Functional improvement is the correct focus for evaluating the client's outcomes. This includes her ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and manage her health conditions. The nurse should assess how well the client can maintain or improve her functional abilities with the additional care provided.