The client is a young male who appears to be 25-30 years old. He was found unconscious on a sidewalk by a jogger who was passing. The jogger called an ambulance, and the EMT's transported the ent to the hospital. The client is arousable but unable to say what his name is or what happened to him. A STAT CT of the head in the emergency room showed no abnormalities, so the client will be admitted to the medical floor for observation and further tests.

The PN reinforces education about seizures to the client and asks him to explain what he understands about his condition.

Which statements indicate understanding?

Select all that apply

Has the child eaten recently? This is the correct and most important question to ask before administering insulin. The timing and content of the child's recent meals will directly impact their blood sugar levels and help determine the appropriate insulin dose. Insulin is typically administered in correlation with meals to maintain blood sugar within a target range and prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia.

A. Did the child perform a fingerstick? While checking the child's blood glucose level is an important part of diabetes management, it is not the most crucial piece of information to gather before administering insulin. The PN should prioritize knowing whether the child has eaten recently, as insulin administration should be coordinated with meals to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

B. How much did the child exercise today? Physical activity can affect blood sugar levels, but it is not the most critical information to obtain before administering insulin. The PN should focus on the child's food intake because insulin doses need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

C. When did the child last urinate? While monitoring urinary patterns is important in assessing hydration and kidney function, it is not directly related to determining the appropriate insulin dose. The PN should prioritize gathering information about the child's recent food intake, as insulin administration needs to be coordinated with meals.

When a client expresses fear and uncertainty about undergoing surgery, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to communicate this information to the charge nurse or the healthcare provider. By notifying the appropriate person, the PN ensures that the client's concerns are addressed and appropriate interventions can be implemented.

Options a) and c) are not the priority actions because documenting the client's concerns or reminding them about the signed consent does not address their emotional needs or provide support.

Option b) may not be the most appropriate response, as simply encouraging the client to continue with the scheduled surgery without addressing their fears and uncertainties may not be sufficient to alleviate their anxiety.

Therefore, the best course of action is to notify the charge nurse or healthcare provider so that they can assess the client's concerns, provide reassurance, and address any questions or fears the client may have prior to the surgery.