The mother of an 8-month-old infant with profound mental and physical disabilities tells the nurse how depressed she is because she realizes that her child will never achieve normal growth and development milestones. How should the nurse respond to this mother?

Choice A rationale:
This is included because the client has a history of cardiovascular issues (hypertension, coronary artery disease), and the symptoms presented (fatigue, muscle cramps, tingling sensation, lightheadedness) could be related to cardiac concerns. Monitoring cardiac status helps assess for any cardiac-related issues.

Choice B rationale:
This is essential because the client's recent illness and missed dialysis sessions may have contributed to her symptoms. Ensuring the client understands the importance of compliance with hemodialysis is crucial for her overall well-being.

Choice C rationale:
Monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, is a fundamental aspect of assessing the client's current condition and response to treatment.

Choice D rationale:
A comprehensive head-to-toe assessment helps identify any physical signs or symptoms that may be contributing to the client's complaints and guides further evaluation and interventions.

Choice E rationale:
Given the client's history of cardiovascular disease and the complaints of chest discomfort, monitoring the heart rhythm is essential to assess for any arrhythmias or irregularities.

Choice F rationale:
Monitoring fluid intake and output is crucial, especially in clients with end-stage renal disease, as imbalances in fluid and electrolytes can exacerbate symptoms and lead to complications.

Choice G rationale:
The client's complaints of muscle cramps and tingling sensations in the arms and legs indicate potential neuromuscular involvement. Monitoring neuromuscular status helps assess these symptoms.

Choice H rationale:
There is no indication in the provided information that an immediate transfer to a telemetry unit is necessary. The client's vital signs, including heart rate and oxygen saturation, are stable at the moment. Further assessment and interventions can be carried out on the current unit before considering a transfer.

Choice I rationale:
Given the client's history of end-stage renal disease and the symptoms presented, educating her to avoid a high-potassium diet is important. High potassium levels can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps and tingling sensations, which the client is experiencing.

Choice A rationale:
Spending time sitting in silence with the client can be a therapeutic intervention for someone who is depressed and experiencing delayed responses. It allows the client to feel a sense of presence and support without the pressure to speak or respond immediately.
This approach can help create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client to express themselves when they are ready.

Choice B rationale:
Involving the client in a daily exercise program may be a beneficial part of the overall care plan for managing depression, but it does not directly address the client's delayed responses during interactions.

Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to describe her depression may be a useful therapeutic intervention to explore the client's feelings and experiences, but it should be done in a way that respects the client's pace and readiness to discuss her emotions.

Choice D rationale:
Observing for signs of possible psychosis is important for assessing the client's mental health, but delayed responses alone may not necessarily indicate psychosis. It's essential to consider the broader clinical picture and conduct a comprehensive assessment.