The RN has completed an assessment on a client. What should the nurse do next?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the RN as a teacher aims to promote health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making among patients and their families. By helping people to become empowered to take care of their health, the RN can facilitate positive health outcomes and prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not focus on explaining what nurses do, but rather on educating patients about their health conditions, treatments, and self-care. While it is important for the patient to understand the role of the nurse, this is not the main goal of teaching.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not limit teaching to discharge instructions. Teaching is an ongoing process that starts from admission and continues throughout the continuum of care. Discharge instructions are only one component of teaching that summarizes the key information and actions that the patient needs to follow after leaving the hospital.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not aim to teach patients how to give themselves treatments to get them out of the hospital quicker, but rather to help them achieve optimal health and wellness. Teaching patients how to give themselves treatments is part of the skill development aspect of teaching, but it is not the main goal. The main goal is to help patients understand the rationale, benefits, and risks of their treatments, and to support them in adhering to their treatment plans.

Choice A reason: An open wound is a concern for a diabetic client, as it can increase the risk of infection and delay the healing process. However, it does not require an immediate focused assessment, unless it is bleeding profusely, infected, or showing signs of tissue damage.

Choice B reason: Depression is a common complication of diabetes, as it can affect the client's mood, self-care, and adherence to treatment. However, it does not require an immediate focused assessment, unless the client is suicidal, psychotic, or unable to function.

Choice C reason: Chest pain is a symptom that can indicate a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection. It requires an immediate focused assessment, as it can compromise the client's cardiac and respiratory function and lead to death.

Choice D reason: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the client's blood glucose levels and can cause various complications, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. However, it does not require an immediate focused assessment, unless the client is experiencing a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic crisis.