A nurse is providing education for a client who has a genital herpes infection. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range for children, which is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium levels may be low in nephrotic syndrome due to fluid retention and dilutional hyponatremia, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice B rationale:

The platelet count of 350,000/mm3 is within the normal range for children, which is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3. Platelet levels may be elevated in nephrotic syndrome due to increased production by the bone marrow in response to inflammation and infection, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should report the protein level of 2 g/dL to the provider, as this is abnormally low and indicates severe proteinuria. Proteinuria is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome, as the glomeruli become damaged and allow protein to leak into the urine. Normal protein levels for children are 6 to 8 g/dL. Low protein levels can lead to edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Choice D rationale:

The cholesterol level of 170 mg/dL is within the normal range for children, which is less than 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol levels may be high in nephrotic syndrome due to increased synthesis by the liver as a compensatory mechanism for low protein levels, but this is not the case for this child.

Choice A rationale:

Palliative care is not limited to acute care settings and can be provided in various healthcare settings.

Choice B rationale:

While palliative care aims to improve overall well-being, it does not provide financial assistance.

Choice C rationale:

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, regardless of whether they are receiving curative treatments.

Choice D rationale:

Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments to address symptoms and enhance quality of life.