A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client and finds both their iron and vitamin B12 levels are below the expected reference range. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions?

A) "I should eat a high fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the client is typically advised to avoid high-fat foods for a period of time as the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can trigger discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Therefore, recommending a high-fat diet is not appropriate post-surgery.

B) "I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": Diarrhea is a possible side effect following gallbladder removal, particularly due to the changes in bile flow. However, the client should not expect diarrhea indefinitely. Over time, the digestive system adjusts, and with dietary modifications, diarrhea often resolves. The client should not assume this will persist unless directed by the healthcare provider.

C) "I should expect to have nausea for several days": Nausea is not typically expected to last for several days following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. While mild nausea can occur shortly after surgery, it should subside within a short time. If nausea persists beyond this period, the client should notify their healthcare provider for further evaluation.

D) "I should leave my steri-strips on until they fall off.": Steri-strips are used to help close the incision site and should remain in place until they naturally fall off, which usually occurs within 7–10 days after surgery. This statement indicates that the client understands the proper care for their incision site. It is important not to remove them prematurely to avoid disrupting the healing process.

A) Instruct another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record:
The nurse receiving a telephone prescription is responsible for ensuring the prescription is recorded correctly in the medical record. It is not appropriate to delegate this responsibility to another nurse. The nurse should personally document the prescription to ensure accuracy and clarity.

B) Withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription:
The nurse should not withhold the medication solely based on the provider's signature. Telephone prescriptions are valid once they are received and documented accurately by the nurse. The prescription must be signed by the provider as soon as possible, but withholding medication is not warranted unless there are other concerns with the prescription.

C) Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication:
When receiving a telephone prescription, the nurse should ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication to avoid errors. Medication names, especially those that sound similar, need to be communicated clearly to ensure correct medication administration. This action helps prevent misinterpretation or confusion, ensuring patient safety.

D) Record the date and time of the telephone prescription:
Recording the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for accurate documentation and legal purposes. This step ensures that there is a clear record of when the prescription was given and that the provider’s order is traceable in the client’s medical record. It also assists in meeting legal and institutional documentation requirements.

E) Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription:
The nurse should read back the prescription to the provider to confirm accuracy. This action is part of the "read-back" process, a safety measure used to verify that the prescription has been communicated correctly and understood by both the nurse and the provider. This step helps reduce the risk of medication errors.