The nurse is caring for a client who had an appendectomy 4 hours ago. Which finding requires immediate action by the nurse?

- Choice A: Occupational therapist. This is correct because an occupational therapist can help the client with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting. The client may have difficulty performing these tasks due to the facial droop and weakness caused by the stroke.

- Choice B: Speech therapist. This is correct because a speech therapist can help the client with communication and swallowing problems. The client has garbled speech, which indicates a possible aphasia or dysarthria. The client may also have dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing, due to the impaired coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing.

- Choice C: Case manager. This is correct because a case manager can coordinate the client's care and discharge planning. The case manager can arrange for referrals, home health services, equipment, and follow-up appointments as needed. The case manager can also provide education and support to the client and family.

- Choice D: Physical therapist. This is correct because a physical therapist can help the client with mobility and balance issues. The client may have hemiparesis or hemiplegia, which is weakness or paralysis of one side of the body. The physical therapist can assist the client with exercises, gait training, and assistive devices to improve the client's functional status.

- Choice E: Chief nursing officer. This is incorrect because a chief nursing officer is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A chief nursing officer is a senior-level executive who oversees the nursing staff and operations of a health care organization. A chief nursing officer may have a role in quality improvement, policy development, and strategic planning, but not in individual client care.

- Choice F: Pharmacy technician. This is incorrect because a pharmacy technician is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A pharmacy technician is a health care professional who assists pharmacists with dispensing medications and other tasks. A pharmacy technician may have a role in preparing, labeling, and delivering medications, but not in providing therapy or education to the client.

- Choice G: Respiratory therapist. This is incorrect because a respiratory therapist is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A respiratory therapist is a health care professional who provides respiratory care to patients with breathing problems. A respiratory therapist may have a role in administering oxygen, nebulizers, ventilators, and other respiratory treatments, but not in addressing the client's stroke-related impairments.

- Choice H: Medical assistant. This is incorrect because a medical assistant is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A medical assistant is a health care professional who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic. A medical assistant may have a role in scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, drawing blood, and performing basic laboratory tests, but not in providing rehabilitation or education to the client.

Choice A reason: Returning for periodic liver function studies is an important instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. These medications can cause liver toxicity, which can manifest as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. The nurse should advise the client to monitor for these signs and symptoms, and to have regular blood tests to check the liver enzymes and function.

Choice B reason: Massaging joints to relax muscles and decrease pain is not a recommended instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Massage can increase the blood flow and pressure to the affected joints, which can worsen the pain and swelling. The nurse should advise the client to avoid touching or moving the inflamed joints, and to apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce the inflammation.

Choice C reason: Limiting use of mobility equipment to avoid muscle atrophy is not a necessary instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who has acute inflammation of the right ankle and great toe. Mobility equipment such as crutches, walkers, or canes can help the client to ambulate safely and comfortably, and to prevent further injury or damage to the affected joints. The nurse should encourage the client to use mobility equipment as needed, and to perform gentle range of motion exercises when the inflammation subsides.

Choice D reason: Substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks is not a helpful instruction for a client with gouty arthritis who is taking colchicine and indomethacin. Fruit juices can contain high amounts of fructose, which can increase the uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks. Carbonated drinks are not a major risk factor for gout, unless they contain high-fructose corn syrup or alcohol. The nurse should advise the client to drink plenty of water, and to avoid foods and beverages that are high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, beer, and wine.