A nurse is providing dietary advice to a client at risk for hypokalemia. Which food should the nurse recommend for inclusion in the client’s diet?

Choice A rationale: Client 1 is admitted with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. While this condition can cause discomfort and requires management, it is a chronic condition that does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice B rationale: Client 2 has a history of hyperlipidemia and has been administered Atorvastatin 20 mg PO as prescribed. Hyperlipidemia is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, but it does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. The fact that the client has been administered their medication as prescribed suggests that their condition is currently being managed effectively. Therefore, while this client will need to be monitored to ensure that their medication continues to be effective, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice C rationale: Client 3 is 1 day postoperative and reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10, even after Morphine 5 mg subcutaneous was administered as prescribed. This indicates that the client’s pain is not well controlled and could be a sign of complications. Therefore, immediate assessment is required. This client should be the nurse’s highest priority.

Choice D rationale: Client 4 is admitted with a new diagnosis of heart failure. Heart failure is a serious condition that can have life- threatening complications. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice E rationale: Client 5 has a stage 2 pressure injury on the left heel. Pressure injuries can lead to serious complications, including infection and tissue necrosis. However, a stage 2 pressure injury is a relatively minor injury that is unlikely to present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their pressure injury, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice F rationale: Client 6 is admitted with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice A rationale

Regular inspection of the cord for frays or tears is crucial to ensure the safe operation of the home oxygen concentrator. A damaged cord can pose a risk of electric shock or fire.

Choice B rationale

Keeping the unit at least 1.2 m (4 ft) away from a gas stove is important because oxygen supports combustion. An oxygen-rich environment can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate.

Choice C rationale

Considering the purchase of a generator for power backup is a good idea. In case of a power outage, a backup power source would ensure the continuous operation of the oxygen concentrator, which is critical for patients who are dependent on supplemental oxygen.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring for signs of hypoxia is essential. Despite receiving oxygen therapy, a patient may still experience hypoxia if the oxygen flow rate is insufficient, or if there are issues with the equipment. Signs of hypoxia include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, restlessness, confusion, and cyanosis (bluish color of the skin, lips, or nails)12.

Choice E rationale

Choosing synthetic clothing and bedding is not recommended. Synthetic materials can build up static electricity, which can spark and cause a fire in an oxygen-enriched environment.