In caring for a client who is receiving meropenem IV for nosocomial pneumonia, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Choice A reason: Inspecting feet every month for ingrown nails, cuts, and calluses is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this is not frequent enough for a client with diabetes who may have impaired sensation and circulation in their feet. The recommended frequency is daily or at least weekly. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason: Arranging diet schedule around three regular meals a day is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be adequate for a client with diabetes who needs to balance their carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels throughout the day. The recommended schedule is to have smaller and more frequent meals and snacks. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice C reason: Getting an eye examination with an ophthalmologist annually is a statement that indicates understanding, as this can help detect and prevent diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Using salt, herbs, and spices will improve the flavor of foods is not a statement that indicates understanding, as this may not be healthy for a client with diabetes who needs to limit their sodium intake and avoid potential interactions between herbs and medications. The recommended strategy is to use low-sodium seasonings and natural flavors. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice A reason: Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L) is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is within the reference range and does not indicate alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, which can affect the client's mental status and mood stability. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B reason: Six hours of sleep in the past three days is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is a common symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes and does not require immediate intervention by the health care provider. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C reason: Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L) is the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this indicates lithium toxicity, which can cause neurological and renal impairment and potentially fatal complications such as seizures, coma, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this may be related to decreased appetite or increased activity during manic episodes and does not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or safety. This is another distractor choice.