A nurse is preparing to administer timolol eye drops for a client who has glaucoma. When instilling the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Maintaining the client's head of the bed at 20% is an incorrect action, because the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30% to prevent aspiration of the feeding.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level is a correct action, because enteral feedings can affect the blood glucose level and the client may need insulin adjustments.

Choice C reason: Flushing the enteral feeding tube with 10 mL of cool water after each medication is an incorrect action, because cool water can cause cramping and nausea. The nurse should use warm water to flush the tube and use at least 30 mL of water to prevent clogging.

Choice D reason: Obtaining an x-ray after beginning the feeding is an incorrect action, because an x-ray should be obtained before starting the feeding to confirm the placement of the tube.

Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should obtain sample menus from the dietitian to give to the client after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The sample menus should be individualized and tailored to the client's lifestyle, culture, and preferences.

Choice B reason: This is the first action, because the nurse should ask the client to identify the types of foods she prefers before providing any dietary teaching. This can help the nurse to determine the client's current eating habits, knowledge, and readiness to learn. It can also help the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, and to involve the client in the decision-making process.

Choice C reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should identify the recommended range for the client's blood glucose level after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The recommended range for the blood glucose level depends on the type, dose, and timing of the medication, the frequency and intensity of the exercise, and the carbohydrate intake of the client.

Choice D reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should discuss long-term complications that can result from nonadherence to the dietary plan after assessing the client's food preferences, needs, and goals. The long-term complications of diabetes mellitus include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye damage, and foot problems. The nurse should explain the benefits of following the dietary plan and the risks of not following it.