At the end of a preoperative teaching session on pain management techniques, a client starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Which is the priority nursing problem for this client?

Choice B reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that are not as critical as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes. ESRD can cause anemia (low erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels) due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation, by the kidneys. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath.

Choice C reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are laboratory results that are not as relevant as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Leukocytes are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are a type of leukocyte that respond to bacterial infection. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can cause leukopenia (low leukocyte levels) and neutropenia (low neutrophil levels) due to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. ESRD can also cause hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels) due to reduced clearance of thyroid hormones by the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, or depression.

Choice D reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are not laboratory results, but vital signs that should be monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Temperature is the measure of body heat. ESRD can cause hypertension (high blood pressurE. due to fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypertension can cause headache, chest pain, or stroke. ESRD can also cause tachycardia (high heart ratE. due to anemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, dizziness, or heart failure. ESRD can also cause fever (high temperaturE. due to infection or inflammation. Fever can cause chills, sweating, or delirium.

Choice A: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is unnecessary and inefficient. The UAP can safely assist the client with influenza if they follow proper infection control measures. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice B: Reviewing the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client is an action that the nurse should take, as this can protect the UAP and others from droplet transmission of influenza. This is a standard precaution that should be reinforced by the nurse. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice C: Instructing the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is not indicated for a client with influenza. A respirator mask is required for airborne transmission, not droplet transmission. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice D: Directing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is not an action that the nurse should take, as this is a general instruction that does not address the specific issue of infection control. This is another incorrect choice.