While making rounds, the charge nurse notices that a young adult client with asthma who was admitted yesterday is sitting on the side of the bed and leaning over the bed-side table. The client is currently receiving oxygen at 2 liters/minute via nasal cannula. The client is wheezing and is using pursed lip breathing. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are vital signs that should be monitored in any client, but they are not laboratory results. ESRD can cause hypertension and cardiovascular complications, so blood pressure and heart rate should be controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. Temperature should be monitored for signs of infection or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are not specific laboratory results for ESRD. Leukocytes and neutrophils are types of white blood cells that indicate immune system activity and infection. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can affect the immune system and the thyroid function, but these are not the primary indicators of renal function.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are important laboratory results for ESRD. ESRD can cause electrolyte imbalances that can affect the heart, muscles, nerves, and bones. Serum potassium can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Serum calcium can decrease due to impaired absorption and activation of vitamin D and cause muscle cramps, tetany, and osteoporosis. Serum phosphorus can increase due to reduced renal excretion and cause soft tissue calcification and bone pain.

Choice D reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that measure red blood cell count, oxygen-carrying capacity, and blood volume. ESRD can cause anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, these are not the most significant laboratory results for ESRD.

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.