A nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with depression. The client's partner asks when he will get better. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Rationale:

A. Polyuria: Polyuria is not a typical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Although chronic alcohol use may affect renal function, withdrawal is more commonly associated with symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity rather than increased urine output.

B. Hypertension: Hypertension is a common manifestation of alcohol withdrawal due to autonomic nervous system overactivity. As the central nervous system adapts to the absence of alcohol, clients may experience elevated blood pressure, tremors, and agitation.

C. Constipation: Constipation is not expected during alcohol withdrawal. Clients are more likely to experience diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset due to nervous system stimulation and stress responses.

D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not characteristic of alcohol withdrawal. Instead, clients often present with tachycardia and other signs of heightened sympathetic activity due to the sudden absence of CNS depressant effects.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.