A nurse is performing a home hazard assessment for a client who lives in an older home. The nurse should instruct the client to have the water tested for which of the following elements?

Choice A reason: Ambulation promotes peristalsis and reduces postoperative complications, but it should not be encouraged before assessing the underlying cause of nausea and pain. Without assessment, ambulation could worsen discomfort or mask complications.

Choice B reason: Inserting an NG tube is an invasive intervention reserved for confirmed cases of bowel obstruction or severe ileus. Performing this without assessment risks unnecessary trauma and patient distress.

Choice C reason: Auscultating for bowel sounds is the priority because it provides critical information about gastrointestinal motility and potential complications such as ileus or obstruction. Assessment must precede interventions to ensure safety and appropriateness of care.

Choice D reason: Administering an antiemetic addresses symptoms but not the underlying cause. Symptom relief without assessment could delay recognition of serious complications.

Choice A reason: Encouraging a client to gain 2.3 kg (5 lb) per week is unsafe and unrealistic. Rapid weight gain increases the risk of refeeding syndrome, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiac complications. The recommended goal is gradual weight gain of about 0.5 to 1 kg per week to ensure safety and sustainability.

Choice B reason: Weighing the client once per week is insufficient. Clients with anorexia nervosa require daily weights to closely monitor progress and detect dangerous fluctuations. Weekly weighing could miss critical changes in nutritional status.

Choice C reason: Monitoring the client for 1 hr after meals is correct because individuals with anorexia nervosa may attempt to purge or exercise excessively after eating. Close observation ensures food intake is retained and prevents compensatory behaviors, supporting nutritional rehabilitation.

Choice D reason: Allowing the client to choose meal times is inappropriate because it reinforces disordered eating patterns. Structured meal times are necessary to normalize eating habits and reduce avoidance behaviors.