Mr. Cribb, 44, has Crohn’s disease and is on total parenteral nutrition. He asks the nurse what his electrolyte results are today. What is the nurse’s best course of action?

• A. Give him his electrolytes results
• B. Refuse to disclose results
• C. Tell him to wait until the clinician reviews the results
• D. Explain that results are not available yet

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that patients have the right to know their own test results and the nurse should provide timely, understandable information about those results. For someone on total parenteral nutrition, electrolyte balance is especially important, so sharing the results helps the patient participate in their care and understand how their treatment is affecting them.

So, sharing the electrolyte results now is appropriate. After giving the values, the nurse can briefly explain what they mean and, if any values are outside the normal range, offer to discuss them with the clinician or arrange a follow-up explanation. This approach supports transparency, autonomy, and safe, informed care.