The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is ordered nothing by mouth (NPO) after a small bowel resection. The client's nasogastric (NG) tube is connected to low intermitent suction. The client reports dizziness and tingling in digits. Which assessment finding by the PN should be reported to the healthcare provider?

The correct answer is Choice C:

Suggest that an increase in fruits and vegetables is more beneficial.

Choice C rationale:

While dairy products do provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, there is no strong evidence to suggest that increasing dairy intake alone will significantly reduce the risk of cancer. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are known to be rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Therefore, suggesting an increase in fruits and vegetables is a more evidence-based approach to reducing cancer risk.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging exercise is a good recommendation for overall health, but it does not directly address the client's concern about reducing cancer risk. Focusing on a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, is more relevant to the client's specific concern.

Choice B rationale:

Reminding the client about Vitamin D-fortified dairy products may be helpful for addressing Vitamin D intake, but it doesn't necessarily address the broader concern of reducing cancer risk. Moreover, the link between dairy and cancer risk reduction is not as well-established as the benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Choice D rationale:

Providing information about cancer warning signs is important for cancer awareness but doesn't address the client's current dietary choices and concerns about cancer prevention. The focus should be on evidence-based dietary recommendations to reduce cancer risk.

Correct Answer: C. Measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder.

Choice A rationale:

Catheterizing the client for residual urine volume is not necessary at this point because the woman has recently given birth, and frequent urination is common during the postpartum period. Additionally, catheterization poses risks of infection, so it should be reserved for situations where it is clinically indicated.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating for normal involution and massaging the fundus is not relevant in this context. Fundal massage is performed after childbirth to ensure the uterus contracts and prevents excessive bleeding. The woman's concern is about frequent urination, which does not require fundal massage.

Choice C rationale:

Measuring the next voiding and palpating the client's bladder is the most appropriate action. The woman's increased frequency of urination could be due to postpartum diuresis, a normal physiological process where the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. By measuring the next voiding and palpating the bladder, the nurse can assess for bladder distension or retention, which could be signs of a problem.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity is not indicated in this situation. There is no evidence to suggest that the woman has a urinary tract infection or other urinary issues that would warrant a urine culture at this time.