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?

b. A decreased level of consciousness and vomiting

Explanation:

When receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. This combination of symptoms suggests a potentially serious condition that requires immediate atention and assessment. It could indicate a neurological or gastrointestinal issue, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.

Explanation for the other options:

a. Cellulitis accompanied by a low-grade fever:

While cellulitis and a low-grade fever require atention, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client with altered consciousness and vomiting due to the potential for more urgent interventions.

c. A pain rating of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 after receiving analgesia 30 min ago:

Although the client's pain rating of 7 indicates ongoing pain, it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first address the client with altered consciousness to determine the cause and provide appropriate interventions before assessing and managing pain in other clients.

d. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL:

While elevated blood glucose levels in a client with type 2 diabetes require atention and management, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first assess the client with altered consciousness to identify the cause and provide prompt interventions.

In summary, when receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. These symptoms indicate a potentially serious condition requiring immediate assessment and intervention.

Hyponatremia refers to a lower-than-normal level of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an essential electrolyte involved in various bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance and transmitting nerve impulses. When sodium levels are low, it can lead to fluid imbalances, affecting the function of muscles and nerves. Muscle cramps are a common manifestation of hyponatremia and occur due to alterations in muscle excitability and contractility.

Constipation: Constipation is not typically associated with hyponatremia. It can occur due to various reasons, such as dietary factors, lack of physical activity, or other medical conditions, but it is not a direct consequence of low sodium levels.

Hypertension: Hyponatremia is not usually associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension can be caused by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions, but it is not directly related to low sodium levels.

Blurred vision: While blurred vision can occur in some medical conditions, such as diabetes or certain eye disorders, it is not a typical finding in hyponatremia. Visual disturbances are not a direct consequence of low sodium levels.