Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

Choice A reason: Taking metformin with the morning and evening meal is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can improve the absorption and effectiveness of metformin and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, this is a correct choice.

Choice B reason: Using sliding scale insulin for frequent blood glucose elevations is not a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this is not recommended for clients with type 2 DM who are taking metformin. This can cause hypoglycemia and complicate the management of blood glucose levels. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice C reason: Recognizing signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can help the client identify and treat low blood glucose levels, which can occur with metformin use or other factors such as exercise, fasting, or alcohol intake. Therefore, this is another correct choice.

Choice D reason: Reporting persistent polyuria to the health care provider is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can indicate poor glycemic control or a complication of DM such as diabetic ketoacidosis or nephropathy. Therefore, this is another correct choice.

Choice E reason: Taking an additional dose for signs of hyperglycemia is not a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can cause overdose or toxicity of metformin, which can lead to lactic acidosis and renal failure. This is another incorrect choice.

Choice A reason: Keeping the bed in the lowest position and initiating seizure and fall precautions is not an immediate action for the nurse to take. Seizure and fall precautions are measures that prevent injury or harm to the client in case of a seizure or a fall. Seizure and fall precautions include lowering the bed, padding the side rails, removing any objects that may cause injury, and having suction and oxygen equipment ready. However, these precautions are not specific to the client's condition and do not address the underlying cause.

Choice B reason: Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and measuring strict intake and output is not an urgent action for the nurse to take. An indwelling urinary catheter is a tube that drains urine from the bladder into a collection bag. Measuring intake and output is a way of monitoring fluid balance and kidney function. However, these interventions are not essential for the client's condition and may increase the risk of infection or trauma.

Choice C reason: Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints on affected side is not a relevant action for the nurse to take. Dependent joints are joints that are below the level of the heart, such as the ankles or wrists. Elevating dependent joints can help reduce swelling or pain by improving blood flow and drainage. However, this intervention is not related to the client's condition and does not improve neurological function.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is a critical action for the nurse to take. IV catheters are devices that allow access to the bloodstream for fluid or medication administration. Fibrinolytic therapy is a treatment that dissolves blood clots that may block blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain or heart. The client's symptoms suggest a possible stroke, which is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain tissue damage or death. The nurse should start two large bore IV catheters in case one fails or becomes occluded, and review inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy, such as onset of symptoms, blood pressure, blood glucose, coagulation status, and history of bleeding or trauma, to determine if the client is eligible for this potentially life-saving treatment.