After years of struggling with weight management, a middle-aged adult client is evaluated for gastroplasty.
The client has experienced difficulty with managing diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but is approved for surgery.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Choice A rationale

Observing for signs of depression is the most important intervention for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This patient has a history of struggling with weight management, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and is now approved for gastroplasty. Weight management surgery can have significant psychological implications, and patients may experience depression or other emotional issues. Identifying signs of depression and providing appropriate support and resources is crucial for the client’s overall well-being and successful outcomes.

Choice A rationale

There is no indication that Patient D, who is scheduled for an appendectomy and has a white blood cell (WBC) count of 14,000 mm² (14 x 10°/L), needs to be transferred to an isolation room 24 hours prior to surgery.

Choice B rationale

Patient A, diagnosed with emphysema and has an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air, does not necessarily need an increase in oxygen. An oxygen saturation of 94% is within normal limits.

Choice C rationale

Patient B, who is postoperative with a hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL (82 g/L), may require a blood transfusion. A hemoglobin level of 8.2 mg/dL is low, and having packed cells available is a prudent measure.

Choice D rationale

Patient C, newly admitted with a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L), has a normal potassium level. Including a banana in the breakfast tray is not a priority.