A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at risk for hypertension. Which of the following risk reduction strategies should the nurse Include in the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake: Clients receiving continuous peritoneal dialysis may need to restrict fluids to prevent volume overload, depending on residual kidney function and dialysis efficiency. Encouraging increased intake without provider orders can be harmful.

B. Obtain the client's weight: Daily weight is a critical indicator of fluid balance and dialysis effectiveness. Monitoring weight helps determine if the dialysis is removing the appropriate amount of fluid and supports adjustments to the treatment plan.

C. Palpate the access site for a thrill: A thrill is a vibration felt over an arteriovenous fistula, which is used in hemodialysis, not peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis uses a soft catheter in the abdomen and does not produce a thrill.

D. Auscultate the access site for a bruit: A bruit, a whooshing sound heard over a vascular access, is associated with AV fistulas used in hemodialysis. It is not relevant for peritoneal dialysis, which uses a catheter and does not involve high-pressure blood flow.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.