A nurse is preparing to provide a change-of-shift report. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the report?

Rationale:

A. Use a loud tone of voice when speaking with the client: Clients with visual impairments do not necessarily have hearing loss. Speaking loudly is unnecessary and may be perceived as disrespectful or startling. Clear, calm, and descriptive communication is more appropriate.

B. Rearrange client’s bedside table items frequently: Frequently moving personal items creates confusion and increases the risk of accidents or frustration for a visually impaired client. Consistent item placement enhances safety and independence.

C. Guide the client by walking parallel with them: Walking parallel without physical or verbal guidance may not be helpful. It’s more effective to offer the client your arm so they can follow your movement and safely navigate their surroundings.

D. Remove objects from client's path to the bathroom: Clearing obstacles from the client's walking path reduces the risk of tripping and falls. This is a key safety intervention for clients with reduced visual sensory perception and promotes independent, safe mobility.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Electrolyte imbalance: The client’s potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is critically low, contributing to premature ventricular contractions and orthostatic hypotension. These abnormalities place the client at immediate risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and require urgent correction to prevent life-threatening complications.
• View of body: The client voices fear of gaining weight and fixates on food, which are indicators of distorted self-perception. This impaired view of the body is a central feature of bulimia nervosa and needs to be addressed during psychotherapy once the client is medically stabilized.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Impaired body image: While body image concerns are common in eating disorders, this option is more general. “View of body” better captures the client’s psychological distortion and allows for more precise therapeutic interventions that address the cognitive roots of the disorder.
• Impaired coping: The client engages in maladaptive coping strategies like bingeing and purging. However, these behaviors are secondary to deeper distortions in self-image and medical instability. Coping can be addressed later in the treatment process once safety is ensured.
• History of anxiety: Anxiety is part of the client's long-standing history but is not causing the immediate physical risk. Addressing acute electrolyte disturbances and body image distortion takes precedence over chronic anxiety in this clinical setting.
• Obsession with food: Although the client’s persistent thoughts about food are important, they are symptoms driven by distorted body perception. Treating the underlying belief system about body image is more foundational and effective in resolving food-related obsessions.