A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for oxygen at 7 L/min via a simple face mask. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure client safety?

The correct answer is choice d. The client’s output was 60 mL for the past 3 hr.

Choice A rationale:

Voiding three times during the night (nocturia) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine. While it should be monitored, it is not the most urgent issue.

Choice B rationale:

Burning and discomfort with urination could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is important to address but not as immediately critical as low urine output.

Choice C rationale:

A WBC count of 11,000/mm² is slightly elevated and could indicate an infection or inflammation, but it is not as urgent as the low urine output.

Choice D rationale:

Low urine output (oliguria) of 60 mL over 3 hours is a critical finding in CKD patients. It indicates potential acute kidney injury or worsening kidney function, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.

The correct answer is choice B: Ask the client what they already know about meal planning.

Choice A rationale:

Using pictures of different food groups can be helpful in teaching about carbohydrate counting, but it's important to assess the client's current knowledge and understanding before introducing new information. Starting with this approach might overwhelm the client or duplicate information they already possess.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Before providing education, it's crucial to assess the client's baseline knowledge. By asking the client what they already know about meal planning, the nurse can tailor the teaching plan to fill in any gaps and avoid presenting redundant information. This approach respects the client's current understanding and focuses on addressing their specific needs.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the client a brochure with sample menus can be helpful once the nurse has assessed the client's knowledge and educational needs. However, providing the brochure as the first action might not be effective if the client already has some understanding of meal planning or if the brochure does not address the client's specific questions.

Choice D rationale:

Involving the family in the discussion of the client's meal plan is important for long-term support, but it shouldn't be the first action. First, the nurse should ensure that the client's own understanding and preferences are addressed before considering input from family members.