A nurse is caring for a client who has acute gastritis and is NPO. The client has a new prescription to resume oral intake. Which of the following items should the nurse offer the client?

Choice A Reason

“It is okay to not want to touch the burned areas of your body.” This statement is empathetic and acknowledges the client’s feelings, but it does not provide a constructive way to address their concerns about altered appearance. While it is important to validate the client’s feelings, offering a solution or support mechanism is more beneficial.

Choice B Reason

“Cosmetic surgery should be performed within the next year to be effective.” This statement is misleading. While timely intervention can be important, the timing of reconstructive or cosmetic surgery depends on various factors, including the extent of the burns, the healing process, and the patient’s overall health. It is not accurate to generalize that surgery must be performed within a year.

Choice C Reason

“Reconstructive surgery can completely restore your previous appearance.” This statement is incorrect and can give false hope. Reconstructive surgery aims to improve function and appearance, but it cannot completely restore the previous appearance. Managing expectations is crucial in the recovery process.

Choice D Reason

“It could be helpful for you to attend a support group for people who have burn injuries.” This statement is correct. Support groups provide emotional and psychological support, helping burn survivors cope with changes in appearance and other challenges. They offer a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be very beneficial for recovery.

Choice A Reason

Lidocaine is primarily used to treat ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It is not typically used for bradycardia (a heart rate of 40/min) and would not be appropriate for this scenario.

Choice B Reason

Adenosine is used to treat certain types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by slowing down the heart rate. It is not indicated for bradycardia and would not be suitable for a heart rate of 40/min.

Choice C Reason

Atropine is the first-line medication for treating symptomatic bradycardia. It works by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve on the heart, thereby increasing the heart rate. Given the client’s symptoms of a low heart rate, diaphoresis, and chest pain, atropine is the appropriate choice.

Choice D Reason

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. However, it is not used for bradycardia and could potentially worsen the condition by further lowering the heart rate.