A client who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) receives a prescription for metformin 500 mg PO twice daily. Which statement(s) should the nurse include in this client’s teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Choice C reason: providing supplemental oxygen is the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow, causing hypoxia and respiratory distress. The nurse should administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygenation and prevent further complications.

Choice A reason: notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's vital signs and symptoms.

Choice B reason: preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve oxygenation. The nurse should prepare a heparin infusion after obtaining a prescription from the healthcare provider and confirming the diagnosis with diagnostic tests.

Choice D reason: bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The emergency crash cart contains equipment and medications that can be used in case of cardiac arrest or other emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need of oxygenation. The nurse should bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's condition.

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because flushing the tube with more water is important to prevent clogging and maintain hydration. The novice should flush the tube with at least 15 mL of water before and after each medication, and between medications if more than one is given.

Choice B reason: This is a correct answer because administering each medication separately is important to prevent interactions and ensure accurate dosing. The novice should not mix different medications in one syringe or container, but give them one at a time, followed by water flushes.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because adding the liquid volumes when documenting fluid intake is not necessary. The liquid medications do not count as fluid intake, but as medication administration. The novice should document the type, dose, route, and time of each medication given, as well as any adverse effects or complications.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because confirming that the novice determined the amount of gastric residual is important to assess tolerance and prevent aspiration. The novice should aspirate the gastric contents with a syringe before giving any medication or feeding, and measure and document the volume. If the volume is more than 100 mL or the prescribed amount, the novice should hold the medication or feeding and notify the healthcare provider.

Choice E reason: This is not a correct answer because advising the novice to use the plunger when giving medications is not recommended. The novice should use gravity to deliver the medications through the tube, by holding the syringe upright and allowing the liquid to flow slowly. Using the plunger can cause too much pressure and damage the tube or cause discomfort to the client.