A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for furosemide and asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. The nurse states "This medication is a diuretic that removes excess fluid from your body." Which of the following ethical concepts is the nurse exhibiting?

A nurse collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days should identify that muscle weakness is a symptom of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium level is low and can be caused by excessive fluid loss through diarrhea. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, so when blood potassium levels are low, muscles may produce weaker contractions which result in muscle weakness.

The other options are not typical symptoms of hypokalemia.

a) Pitting edema is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.

b) Diplopia is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.

d) Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.

a . Provide a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery.

The correct answer is a. Provide a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery.

Explanation:

When caring for an adolescent scheduled for surgery, providing a tour of the perioperative area prior to the procedure is an important action for the nurse to take. Adolescents may experience fear and anxiety related to the unfamiliar environment and procedures associated with surgery. Providing a tour allows the adolescent to become familiar with the surroundings, equipment, and healthcare team, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of control.

Explanation for the other options:

b. Explain that anesthesia is a special type of sleep: While it is important to provide information about anesthesia to the adolescent, describing it as a "special type of sleep" may be misleading. Anesthesia is a medical procedure that involves more than just being asleep, and it is important to provide accurate information to the adolescent.

c. Keep medical equipment out of the client's sight: While it is important to create a comfortable and non- threatening environment for the adolescent, completely hiding medical equipment may not be feasible or necessary. Instead, the nurse should address any specific fears or concerns the adolescent may have and provide age-appropriate explanations and reassurance.

d. Wait until after surgery to explain the importance of coughing and deep breathing: It is important to provide preoperative education to the adolescent to promote their understanding and cooperation. Explaining the importance of coughing and deep breathing before surgery helps the adolescent prepare and participate in their own recovery. Waiting until after surgery may result in missed opportunities for early postoperative interventions.

In summary, providing a tour of the perioperative area prior to surgery helps familiarize the adolescent with the environment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control.