The nurse is teaching a client with cancer about skin care for the portal site receiving external beam radiation. Which client action regarding skin care indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A reason: Sweet potatoes are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate, which is a substance that can combine with calcium in the urine and form stones. The client should limit foods that are high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, and wheat bran. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Spinach salad is a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is high in oxalate, which can increase the risk of stone formation. The client should consume foods that are low in oxalate, such as rice, corn, apples, grapes, peaches, and cheese. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Bananas are not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because they are low in oxalate and high in potassium, which can help prevent stone formation. The client should increase the intake of fluids, calcium, and citrate, which can reduce the concentration of oxalate and calcium in the urine and inhibit stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Fish is not a food that the client should avoid after passing a calcium oxalate renal stone, because it is low in oxalate and high in protein, which can help maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. The client should moderate the intake of animal protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, which can increase the acidity of the urine and promote stone formation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Fasting blood sugar of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, stress, infection, or medication. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as thirst, hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice B reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of 8% indicates poor glycemic control over the past three months. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or hemoglobinopathy. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the lifespan of red blood cells, which is about 120 days. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice C reason: Blood urea nitrogen of 22 mg/dL (7.9 mmol/L) indicates mild azotemia, which is a high level of nitrogenous waste products in the blood. It can be caused by dehydration, high protein intake, gastrointestinal bleeding, or kidney impairment. Azotemia can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and lethargy. However, it does not affect the safety or accuracy of MRI with contrast.

Choice D reason: Serum creatinine of 1.9 mg/dL (169 umol/L) indicates moderate renal insufficiency, which is a reduced ability of the kidneys to filter and excrete waste products and fluids from the body. It can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, or nephrotoxic drugs. Renal insufficiency can cause symptoms such as edema, anemia, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis. It can also increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, which is a sudden deterioration of kidney function after exposure to contrast media used for imaging studies such as MRI. Contrast-induced nephropathy can lead to acute kidney injury, dialysis requirement, or even death. Therefore, serum creatinine should be reported to the healthcare provider before MRI with contrast to assess the risk and benefit of the procedure and to take preventive measures such as hydration, medication adjustment, or alternative imaging modalities.