A nurse is caring for an older adult client.

exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

System	Findings
General	Adult child accompanying parent reports decline in client, expressing concern over memory and thought process, appetite, and self-care. Adult child states. "My sibling and I hired help at home for my parent. We thought that would help but it has not. I found the title to the car today, signed over to me."
Physical	Client makes poor eye contact, speaks in a monotone voice, and has a lack of facial expression. Client reports sleeping 7 hr a night and getting up "once or twice per night to go to the bathroom." Client reports not wanting to eat anymore. Client's child reports their parent has lost about 8 lb in the past month. Heart rate 68/min
Affect	Client says. "Why don't you just leave me? I am of no use.”

This client should be assessed first because they are at risk of hypoglycemia, which is a medical emergency that can cause seizures, coma, or death if not treated promptly.
The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level again and provide additional carbohydrates or glucose if needed.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should verify the client’s consent, allergies, and vital signs before the procedure, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice B is wrong because a client who received pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain is likely to have improved pain relief and does not need immediate assessment.
The nurse should monitor the client’s pain level, vital signs, and respiratory status periodically, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Choice D is wrong because a client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag is not in immediate danger and can be assessed later.
The nurse should change the IV bag when it is empty or nearly empty, but this is not a priority over a client with low blood glucose.
Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) when fasting, and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after eating. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia and requires immediate treatment. Orange juice is a source of simple carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose quickly, but it may not be enough to prevent hypoglycemia in some cases.

The correct answer is d. “Your desire to be an organ donor must be documented in writing.”

Rationale for Choice a:

• Statement:“Your name cannot be removed once you are listed on the organ donor list.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Individuals have the right to change their minds about organ donation at any time.They can have their names removed from the organ donor list by contacting the appropriate registry or organization.It's essential for nurses to provide accurate information to ensure informed consent and respect for patient autonomy.

Rationale for Choice b:

• Statement:“You must be at least 21 years of age to become an organ donor.”
• Rationale:This statement is also incorrect.The age requirement for organ donation varies by jurisdiction.In many places,individuals under 18 years of age can register as organ donors with parental consent.Nurses should be familiar with local regulations to provide accurate guidance.

Rationale for Choice c:

• Statement:“I cannot be a witness for your consent to donate.”
• Rationale:While it's true that nurses generally cannot act as witnesses for organ donation consent,the focus of the response should be on directing the client to the appropriate channels for documentation.Nurses can play a role in facilitating the process by providing information and resources to clients who express interest in organ donation.

Rationale for Choice d:

• Statement:“Your desire to be an organ donor must be documented in writing.”
• Rationale:This is the correct response.To ensure clarity and legal validity,organ donation preferences must be documented in writing.This documentation can be done through various means,such as registering with an organ donor registry,indicating preferences on a driver's license,or completing an advance directive.Nurses should emphasize the importance of written documentation to protect the client's wishes.