A client with a family history of cardiac disease is seeking information to control risk factors. Which lifestyle modification is most important for the nurse to encourage?

A. Auscultate the bowel sounds in all four quadrants:

Auscultating bowel sounds is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is more appropriate for evaluating gastrointestinal function and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

B. Palpate the client's pedal pulse volume bilaterally:

Palpating pedal pulse volume is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is more appropriate for evaluating peripheral vascular perfusion and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

C. Determine the elasticity of the client's skin turgor:

Assessing skin turgor elasticity is not directly relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is typically performed to evaluate hydration status and is not a priority during airway management procedures.

D. Observe the client's skin and mucous membranes:

This is the most appropriate assessment during nasopharyngeal suctioning. Observing the client's skin and mucous membranes helps monitor for signs of respiratory distress, such as cyanosis, pallor, or increased respiratory effort. It also allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of airway clearance and potential complications related to the procedure.

A. The client will demonstrate ability to change the ostomy bag in two days.

This outcome statement focuses on the client's ability to perform a specific task related to ostomy care. While it's important for clients with a colostomy to learn how to change their ostomy bag, in the context of this scenario, where the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, the priority lies in managing their diabetes and adhering to the medication regimen. Therefore, while ostomy care is important, it may not be the most immediate concern.

B. The client will adhere to the medication regimen after discharge.

This outcome statement directly addresses the client's need to manage their hyperglycemia by adhering to the prescribed insulin regimen. Given that the client has developed hyperglycemia requiring insulin injections, ensuring medication adherence is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. This choice aligns with the client's health needs and goals following the surgical procedure and the development of hyperglycemia.

C. The client's breath sounds will be auscultated by the nurse every 4 hours.

This outcome statement focuses on monitoring the client's respiratory status by auscultating breath sounds at regular intervals. While respiratory assessment is important, especially postoperatively, it may not directly address the client's primary health concern in this scenario, which is managing hyperglycemia and insulin administration.

D. The client attempts to self-administer insulin but is unable to perform injection.

This outcome statement indicates the client's attempt to self-administer insulin but inability to perform the injection. While it's important for clients to be able to self-administer insulin, the emphasis in this scenario should be on ensuring that the client adheres to the medication regimen, rather than focusing solely on their ability to self-administer insulin immediately after discharge. Therefore, while self-administration of insulin is relevant, it may not be the most immediate priority in the postoperative plan of care.