A nurse is caring for a client who has fluid volume overload. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

- A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the breast, usually to treat breast cancer. A mastectomy can have a significant impact on a woman's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as it may affect her body image, self-esteem, sexuality, and identity.
- A mastectomy incision is the wound that results from the surgery, which may vary in size, shape, and location depending on the type and extent of the mastectomy. The incision may be closed with stitches, staples, or glue, and covered with a dressing or bandage.

- The first dressing change is usually done within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, and it involves removing the old dressing, inspecting the incision for any signs of infection or complications, cleaning the wound, applying a new dressing, and educating the client about wound care .
- When the practical nurse (PN) tells the client that her mastectomy incision is healing well, but the client refuses to look at the incision and refuses to talk about it, this may indicate that the client is experiencing denial, fear, anger, grief, or depression due to the loss of her breast. These are normal and common reactions that may occur at different stages of the recovery process .
- The best response by the PN to the client's silence is to acknowledge and respect the client's feelings, provide support and reassurance, and offer assistance when needed. This will help to establish trust and rapport with the client, as well as promote her coping and adjustment .
- Therefore, option A is the best answer, as it shows empathy and respect for the client's feelings, while also informing the client that the PN will be available when she is ready to look or talk about the mastectomy. Option A also implies that the PN will not pressure or force the client to do something that she is not comfortable with.

- Options B, C, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not show empathy or respect for the client's
feelings, and they may cause more harm than good.
Option B is incorrect because asking another nurse to be present may not address the client's reluctance or
anxiety about looking at her incision.
Option C is incorrect because telling the client that part of recovery is accepting her new body image may
sound insensitive or judgmental, and it may not reflect the client's readiness or willingness to do so.
Option D is incorrect because telling the client that she will feel beter when she sees that the incision is not as bad as she may think may minimize or invalidate the client's feelings, and it may not be true or helpful.

Cardiovascular abnormalities are a serious risk in clients with bulimia nervosa due to electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, which can lead to arrhythmias, weakened heart muscles, and potential heart failure. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) can occur due to excessive vomiting, which leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes, including sodium. Incorrect responses: Group 1: Hypoglycemia: Bulimia nervosa primarily causes electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances due to vomiting, not significant alterations in blood sugar levels. Metabolic Acidosis: Vomiting leads to the loss of gastric acid, causing metabolic alkalosis. Hypotension: Hypotension could occur if the client experiences significant dehydration from vomiting. Hypotension would be a consequence of severe dehydration rather than a primary risk at this stage. Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia is not typically associated with bulimia nervosa or vomiting. It would be more relevant in conditions like diabetes. Group 2: Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia (high potassium) is unlikely in bulimia nervosa, where frequent vomiting usually leads to hypokalemia due to the loss of potassium in gastric secretions. Metabolic Acidosis: As mentioned before, vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, because of the loss of hydrochloric acid. Hypochloremia: Hypochloremia (low chloride levels) can occur with vomiting due to the loss of stomach acid, which contains chloride. While it is a possible outcome, metabolic alkalosis better captures the overall acid-base disturbance in the client.