Before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, which information about the patient is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Choice A rationale
While having a case management evaluation of the client’s home environment can provide valuable information and potential solutions for caregiving challenges, it does not directly address the caregiver’s immediate need for relief and support.

Choice B rationale

Hiring a private duty nurse could provide the caregiver with some time away from caregiving duties. However, this may not be a feasible option for many caregivers due to the cost associated with private nursing care.

Choice C rationale
Proposing that extended family could return to the area to help provide assistance assumes that such help is available and willing. This may not be the case for many caregivers.

Choice D rationale
Suggesting that social services be contacted to find a respite care facility for the client directly addresses the caregiver’s need for relief and support. Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to rest and take care of their own needs. This can help to alleviate symptoms of caregiver burnout, such as poor sleep and frequent crying.

Choice A rationale
Reviewing serum protein levels can provide valuable information about a client’s nutritional status and liver function. However, in the context of a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness, and has a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in ascitic fluid, initiating antibiotic therapy is the priority.
Choice B rationale
Beginning abdominal girth measurements can be useful for monitoring the progression of ascites in a client with liver disease. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Choice C rationale

Initiating antibiotic therapy is the correct intervention in this case. The client’s symptoms and the high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication of cirrhosis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Assessing neurological status is important in clients with liver disease, as they are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.