A nurse is reinforcing teaching about foot care with a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is choice b. Reduced fat in the stools.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased sodium excretion is not a therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is an enzyme replacement therapy that helps in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, but it does not affect sodium excretion.

Choice B rationale:

Reduced fat in the stools is the correct answer. Pancrelipase helps in the digestion of fats, which reduces the amount of fat excreted in the stools. This is particularly important for patients with cystic fibrosis, who often have pancreatic insufficiency leading to malabsorption of fats.

Choice C rationale:

Improved respiratory function is not a direct therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. While better nutrition and absorption can indirectly support overall health, including respiratory function, pancrelipase specifically targets digestive enzyme insufficiency.

Choice D rationale:

Improved absorption of vitamins B and C is not the primary therapeutic effect of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) rather than water-soluble vitamins like B and C.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: This client has a new diagnosis and requires initial teaching about meal planning, which is typically a responsibility of a registered nurse (RN) due to the need for specialized knowledge and teaching skills.

Choice B rationale: This client has a low urinary output, which needs to be monitored, but the care required is within the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse (LPN). They can manage and report findings to the RN.

Choice C rationale: This client has a low respiratory rate postoperatively, which could indicate respiratory depression. This requires immediate assessment and intervention from an RN, who can make complex clinical judgments and initiate appropriate care.

Choice D rationale: This client needs an admission assessment, which includes comprehensive initial evaluation. An RN is required for this as it involves detailed assessment, care planning, and initiation of care.