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 choiced. Explains importance of wearing protective clothing when outdoors.

Choice A rationale:

Maintaining a current immunization schedule is important for overall health, but it is not directly related to Lyme disease prevention or management, as there is no vaccine for Lyme disease in humans.

Choice B rationale:

Wearing a mask when leaving the room is a precaution for airborne diseases, not for Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites.

Choice C rationale:

Disposal of personal tissues in a no-touch receptacle is a general infection control measure but does not specifically address Lyme disease prevention or management.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing protective clothing when outdoors is crucial for preventing tick bites, which are the primary mode of transmission for Lyme disease. This measure directly addresses the prevention of Lyme disease.

Correct Answer: B. Joint pain.

Choice B rationale:

Joint pain is the most common symptom experienced by individuals during a sickle cell crisis. The misshapen red blood cells can block blood flow to joints, leading to severe pain and inflammation. Joint pain is a hallmark sign of a sickle cell crisis, and managing pain is a critical aspect of caring for these patients.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased hemoglobin is not the expected symptom during a sickle cell crisis. A sickle cell crisis is characterized by sudden and severe pain due to the misshapen red blood cells blocking blood flow and causing tissue damage. While a sickle cell crisis can lead to anemia, the child experiencing the crisis would be more likely to describe pain and not specifically mention decreased hemoglobin.

Choice C rationale:

Infection is not a typical symptom experienced during a sickle cell crisis. While sickle cell disease can increase the risk of infections, the crisis itself primarily manifests as acute pain due to vaso-occlusion.

Choice D rationale:

Fatigue may be experienced by individuals with sickle cell disease, especially during or after a crisis, but it is not the most likely symptom they would describe during a sickle cell crisis. The hallmark symptom of a sickle cell crisis is severe pain.