The nurse is preparing to administer the anti-ulcer gastrointestinal agent sucralfate to a patient with peptic ulcer disease.
What should be included in this patient’s care plan?

Choice A rationale

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is generally beneficial, consuming large amounts of leafy green vegetables, which are high in vitamin K, can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, a medication that works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Therefore, praising the patient for her healthy lifestyle without addressing the potential interaction between her diet and medication could lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Choice B rationale

This statement is misleading. While a healthy diet can contribute to overall health and well- being, the patient’s dietary choices, specifically her daily consumption of leafy green

vegetables, could actually decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Warfarin’s ability to prevent blood clots is dependent on a consistent intake of vitamin K67.

Choice C rationale

This is the most appropriate response. The healthcare provider should be informed about the patient’s current diet because it could impact the effectiveness of warfarin. The provider may need to adjust the dose of warfarin or provide additional dietary guidance to ensure the medication works as intended.

Choice D rationale

While this might seem like a reasonable suggestion, it’s important to remember that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider or a dietitian. Substituting leafy green vegetables with other protein sources may not be necessary or appropriate depending on the patient’s overall diet, nutritional needs, and personal preferences.

The correct answer is choice D: Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Choice D rationale: The patient's respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and unresponsiveness indicate severe respiratory depression, which requires immediate intervention. CPR is the priority action to maintain circulation and oxygenation while awaiting further interventions.

Choice A rationale: Administering a second dose of naloxone may be necessary to counteract the effects of opioids. However, in this case, the patient's condition has severely deteriorated, and immediate resuscitation efforts take priority.

Choice B rationale: Preparing to assist with chest tube insertion is not the appropriate action in this situation. Chest tube insertion is used to treat conditions like pneumothorax or pleural effusion, which are not indicated in this scenario.

Choice C rationale: Determining the Glasgow Coma Scale score is useful for assessing the patient's level of consciousness but should not be the first action in this case. Ensuring adequate circulation and oxygenation through CPR is the priority.