A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

To determine if the child is experiencing subcostal retractions, check the area beneath the ribcage.

D - Subcostal Area:

Subcostal retractions occur below the ribs and are a sign of respiratory distress, indicating increased effort to breathe.

Observing this area can reveal inward movement during inspiration, suggesting difficulty in breathing, often seen in asthma exacerbations.

Rationale

A - Incorrect:

This area is near the clavicle and not related to subcostal retractions.

B - Incorrect:

This is the intercostal area, which can also show retractions but is not subcostal.

C - Incorrect:

This area is too central and does not correspond with subcostal retractions.

Focusing on D allows the nurse to assess the presence of subcostal retractions effectively.

A) "Central vision loss is affected first.": This statement is accurate as macular degeneration primarily affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Clients with macular degeneration typically experience a loss of central vision first, which can severely impact activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

B) "Straining during a bowel movement can increase the progression of the disease.": This statement is not supported by evidence related to macular degeneration. While general health and avoiding strain are important, there is no specific connection between straining during bowel movements and the progression of macular degeneration.

C) "Plan to include high doses of Vitamin E in your diet.": Although antioxidants like Vitamin E can be beneficial for eye health, especially in the context of a balanced diet including other vitamins and minerals, there is no specific recommendation for high doses of Vitamin E alone to manage macular degeneration. The AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) formulation includes a combination of vitamins and minerals.

D) "Remove glasses before performing the Amsler grid test at home.": When using the Amsler grid test to monitor for changes in vision due to macular degeneration, clients should wear their glasses or contact lenses to ensure they are viewing the grid with their usual visual correction. This helps in accurately detecting any distortions or changes in vision.