For a client who is crying and seems agitated after major abdominal surgery, which action should a nurse take to establish a nursing diagnosis of pain related to an abdominal incision?

Using teach back method to assess understanding. This method involves asking the client to repeat back the information or demonstrate the skill that was taught, which helps to evaluate their comprehension and retention.

It also allows the nurse to correct any misunderstandings and reinforce key points.

Choice A is wrong because teaching handouts are written on an eighth grade reading level may not be appropriate for older adult clients who may have lower literacy levels or cognitive impairments. The nurse should use simple, common language and large-print handouts that reflect the verbal information presented.

Choice C is wrong because the teaching plan is based on nutrition, medications, and safety may not address the individual needs and preferences of the older adult clients. The nurse should consider the preadmission functional abilities, health goals, and learning styles of each client when developing the plan of care.

Choice D is wrong because websites, video chats, and cell phone applications are introduced for learning may not be suitable or accessible for older adult clients who may have limited technology skills or sensory impairments. The nurse should use visual aids, face-to-face communication, and written instructions to enhance learning.

This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.

Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of

calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.

Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.

The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:

• Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Chloride: 96 to 106