The practical nurse (PN) reports that a client who has a fingerstick glucose of 35 mg/dL (1.94 mmol/L) is alert and diaphoretic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

Reference Ranges

• Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

A) Correct- The client's statement suggests a misconception about the progression from acute stress disorder (ASD) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While ASD is an initial response to trauma, it doesn't necessarily indicate a high risk for developing PTSD. The nurse should provide education about the differences and the various factors that influence the development of PTSD.

B) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's proactive approach to using holistic approaches like meditation to manage symptoms. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety related to the traumatic event.

C) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's motivation to learn how to manage their thoughts better through therapy. Therapy can be highly effective for addressing trauma-related distress and helping clients develop coping strategies.

D) Incorrect- This statement reflects the client's recognition that their response is shared by many people in similar situations. Validating the client's experience and normalizing their feelings can be therapeutic.

E) Correct- This statement reflects a common misconception and stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The nurse should reassure the client that a diagnosis of acute stress disorderdoes not equate to being "crazy" and provide information about the nature of the disorder and available treatments.

F) Correct- The statement implies a potential pessimistic outlook on treatment. While medication might be part of the treatment plan, it's important to emphasize that treatment approaches are individualized. Encouraging an open dialogue about various treatment options, including therapy and coping strategies, is essential.

In this scenario, the client is experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness. These symptoms may indicate that the client's exercise routine is impacting their sleep patterns. By asking the client for a description of their exercise schedule, the nurse can gather important information about the timing, intensity, and duration of the client's exercise regimen.

Exercise has numerous benefits for sleep and overall health, but the timing and intensity of exercise can affect sleep patterns differently for individuals. Vigorous exercise close to bedtime may increase alertness and make it harder for some people to fall asleep.

Therefore, understanding the client's exercise routine will help the nurse assess if the timing or intensity of the exercise is contributing to the sleep issues.

Based on the information gathered, the nurse can provide appropriate guidance. This may include adjusting the timing of exercise to earlier in the day, reducing the intensity of exercise closer to bedtime, or considering other factors that may be contributing to the sleep difficulties, such as caffeine intake, stress, or environmental factors.