A client with diabetes reports numbness in both feet. What is the nurse's best response?
Numbness may indicate diabetic neuropathy. Notifying the provider ensures proper evaluation.
A client receiving IV fluids reports swelling and coolness at the IV site. What should the nurse do?
Swelling and coolness suggest infiltration. Stopping the IV prevents further fluid leakage into tissues.
A client with pneumonia has a productive cough and reports that mucus is difficult to expel. What should the nurse encourage?
Fluids help thin mucus, making it easier to cough out and improving airway clearance.
The nurse is caring for a client with a urinary catheter. What action helps prevent infection?
Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents urine backflow, reducing infection risk.
A postoperative client reports nausea after receiving pain medication. What should the nurse do first?
Assessing nausea severity helps determine if the client needs antiemetics or a medication adjustment.
A client newly prescribed insulin asks why regular meals are important. What is the best explanation?
Insulin lowers blood glucose. Regular meals prevent hypoglycemia and keep glucose stable.
A client taking a sedating antihistamine feels extremely drowsy. What should the nurse teach?
Sedating antihistamines impair alertness. Avoiding activities that require attention prevents injury.
The nurse notes that a client with heart failure has sudden weight gain. What should the nurse do first?
Sudden weight gain often indicates fluid retention. Monitoring daily weight detects changes in fluid status.
A client reports redness and warmth around their surgical incision. What should the nurse do first?
These symptoms may indicate infection. Assessment and provider notification ensure timely treatment.