A nurse is developing a client education program about osteoporosis for older adult clients.

The nurse should include which of the following variables as a risk factor for osteoporosis?

A. Performing gastrostomy feedings through an established gastrostomy tube is within the scope of practice for an AP, as it is a routine, non-complex task.
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication requires assessment skills, which fall under the nurse’s scope of practice.
C. Providing client care instructions requires nursing judgment and should be done by the nurse.
D. Teaching a client how to measure their blood pressure involves client education, which is the nurse’s responsibility.

Choice A rationale:

Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.

Choice D rationale:

Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.