A nurse on a mental health unit is planning care for a client who is being admitted immediately following a sexual assault. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Red meat is high in saturated fats and sodium, which can elevate blood pressure, worsening hypertension. It is not recommended for a heart-healthy diet, as it increases cardiovascular strain. The nurse should suggest leaner proteins instead, making this an incorrect dietary choice.
Choice B reason: Cheese is often high in sodium and saturated fat, contributing to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in hypertension. Low-sodium alternatives are preferred, but cheese is generally discouraged, making this an inappropriate food to recommend for this client’s diet.
Choice C reason: Canned black beans are high in sodium, which exacerbates hypertension by promoting fluid retention and vascular strain. Rinsing reduces sodium, but fresh or low-sodium options are better. This choice is less ideal than fresh produce, making it incorrect for hypertension management.
Choice D reason: Fresh spinach is rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which help lower blood pressure by counteracting sodium and relaxing blood vessels. It aligns with the DASH diet, an evidence-based approach for hypertension, making it the best food to recommend for this client’s condition.

Choice A reason: An HbA1c of 7.2% in type 1 diabetes indicates suboptimal control but is not an acute emergency. This client requires follow-up but is stable compared to life-threatening conditions, so they are not require immediate assessment, making this incorrect for prioritization.
Choice B reason: New-onset tachypnea in a hip fracture client suggests a life-threatening issue like pulmonary embolism, a common complication due to immobility. This requires immediate assessment to ensure airway and circulatory stability, aligning with ABC priorities, making it the correct first action for the nurse to take.
Choice C reason: Sinus arrhythmia is typically benign, especially with cardiac monitoring in place. It does not indicate an immediate threat compared to respiratory distress, so this client can be assessed later, making this incorrect for first priority assessment.
Choice D reason: Chest pain in a hypertensive client is concerning for cardiac issues, but tachypnea in a hip fracture suggests a more acute, potentially fatal condition like pulmonary embolism. Respiratory distress takes precedence, so this is incorrect for immediate assessment.