The nurse is working on an infectious disease unit. Which client should be assigned to a room with negative airflow, while requiring personnel to use a particulate respirator mask, and requiring staff to observe airborne, as well as standard precautions?

Rationale

A. Diarrhea and flatulence are common gastrointestinal side effects of statin medications like lovastatin. While uncomfortable for the client, these symptoms are typically not serious and do not require immediate follow-up unless severe or persistent.

B. Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is a potential side effect of statin therapy. In some cases, statins can cause muscle inflammation (myositis) or more severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage. If a client reports new or worsening muscle pain, especially if accompanied by weakness, tenderness, or dark urine, it requires immediate follow-up to assess for these potential complications.

C. Abdominal cramps can occur as a gastrointestinal side effect of statins but are generally not considered a serious adverse reaction. They may improve with time or adjustments in diet or medication administration timing.

D. Altered taste, such as a metallic taste, is a less common side effect of statin therapy. While it can be bothersome, it is usually not serious and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless severe or persistent.

Rationale

A. Dill pickles and black olives are typically high in sodium due to the pickling process. High sodium intake can exacerbate hypertension by increasing fluid retention and raising blood pressure.

B. Canned chicken broth often contains a high amount of sodium unless it is specifically labeled as low sodium or reduced sodium. Barley itself is a nutritious whole grain, but the sodium content in canned broth might counterbalance its benefits.

C. Tomato juice can be a good choice for someone with hypertension as long as it is low in sodium or sodium-free. Tomatoes are rich in potassium and other nutrients beneficial for heart health. Gluten-free crackers can be a healthy addition if they are low in sodium and made from whole grains.

D. Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense food high in potassium, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are naturally low in sodium and are considered heart-healthy due to their potassium content, which helps counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure.