A postoperative patient who had surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer has been receiving nasogastric suction for 3 days. The patient now has a serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L (127 mmol/L). Which prescribed therapy should the nurse question?

Choice A reason: This statement is true. Assessing mental status and level of consciousness is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause sedation, confusion, and respiratory depression. The nurse should monitor the client's orientation, alertness, and responsiveness, and use a sedation scale to evaluate the degree of sedation.

Choice B reason: This statement is true. Assessing urine output frequently is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause urinary retention, which can lead to bladder distension, infection, or kidney damage. The nurse should measure the client's urine output and check for signs of bladder fullness or discomfort.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. Monitoring potassium levels is not an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine does not affect the blood potassium level. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the normal function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Potassium imbalance can be caused by other factors, such as diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or acid-base disorders.

Choice D reason: This statement is true. Teaching the family that only the client can press the button for pain medication is an important consideration for this treatment, as PCA Pump allows the client to self-administer a preset dose of morphine within a specified time interval. The family should not press the button for the client, as this can result in overmedication, overdose, or addiction.

Choice E reason: This statement is true. Ensuring there is an order for Naloxone in case of overdose is an important consideration for this treatment, as Naloxone is an antidote that can reverse the effects of morphine in the event of an overdose. Naloxone can restore the client's breathing, blood pressure, and consciousness, and prevent death.

Choice F reason: This statement is true. Assessing CO2 levels is an important consideration for this treatment, as morphine can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to hypercapnia, or high blood carbon dioxide level. Hypercapnia can cause headache, drowsiness, confusion, and coma. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, depth, and rhythm, and use a capnograph or a blood gas analysis to measure the CO2 level.

Choice A reason: Foot inspection is not an annual/yearly screening, but a daily self-care practice for people with diabetes. Foot inspection involves checking the feet for any signs of injury, infection, or ulceration, such as cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or drainage. Foot inspection can help prevent or detect foot problems, such as neuropathy, ischemia, or infection, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. The nurse should teach Jo how to inspect his feet every day, and how to care for his feet, such as washing, drying, moisturizing, trimming nails, and wearing proper footwear.

Choice B reason: Serum creatinine (Cr) is an annual/yearly screening for people with diabetes. Serum creatinine is a blood test that measures the level of creatinine, a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys. Serum creatinine can indicate the kidney function, and detect kidney damage or disease, which is a common complication of diabetes. The nurse should explain to Jo that he needs to have his serum creatinine checked every year, and that he should keep his blood glucose and blood pressure under control, as these are the main risk factors for kidney problems.

Choice C reason: Chest X-ray is not an annual/yearly screening for people with diabetes, unless they have symptoms or risk factors for lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or cancer. Chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to produce pictures of the lungs and the chest cavity. Chest X-ray can help diagnose or monitor lung conditions, such as infections, inflammations, or tumors. The nurse should ask Jo about his history of smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, or respiratory symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and refer him to a doctor if he needs a chest X-ray.

Choice D reason: White blood cell count (WBC) is not an annual/yearly screening for people with diabetes, unless they have signs or risk factors for infections, such as fever, wounds, or immunosuppression. White blood cell count is a blood test that measures the number and types of white blood cells, which are the cells that fight infections and inflammation. White blood cell count can help diagnose or monitor infections, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or immune disorders, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, or cancers. The nurse should assess Jo for any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, malaise, or pus, and advise him to seek medical attention if he has any.