A community health nurse is performing a home visit for a client and is evaluating the home environment for safety. Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the client has a proper understanding of safety in the home?

Choice A reason: Preparing for a paracentesis is inappropriate, as abdominal distention post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically due to retained carbon dioxide from insufflation, not ascites. Paracentesis is invasive and unnecessary, risking complications without addressing the cause, making it an incorrect intervention for this scenario.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to ambulate promotes the expulsion of residual gas used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, relieving abdominal distention. Early mobility enhances circulation, reduces bloating, and prevents complications like ileus, aligning with postoperative care guidelines, making it the most effective and appropriate action.
Choice C reason: Inserting a rectal suppository is not indicated, as distention is likely from gas, not constipation, immediately post-cholecystectomy. Suppositories may cause discomfort without resolving gas-related bloating. This intervention is premature and misaligned with the cause, making it inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Placing the client in the prone position may worsen discomfort from abdominal distention by compressing the abdomen, trapping gas. Upright or walking positions facilitate gas movement and relief. This position is counterproductive, making it an incorrect choice for managing post-surgical distention.

Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is unlikely with 0.45% sodium chloride, a hypotonic solution that dilutes serum sodium. Over-infusion risks hyponatremia, not high sodium levels. Monitoring for hypernatremia is inappropriate, as the solution’s low sodium content does not contribute to elevated sodium in fluid therapy.
Choice B reason: Assessing for fluid overload is essential, as 0.45% sodium chloride, being hypotonic, can cause water to shift into cells, risking pulmonary or cerebral edema. This is critical in clients with renal or cardiac issues, where monitoring for dyspnea or swelling ensures safe fluid administration.
Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia is not directly linked to 0.45% sodium chloride, which affects fluid and electrolytes, not glucose. Fluid shifts may indirectly stress metabolism, but hypoglycemia relates to fasting or insulin issues, making this an inappropriate focus for monitoring in this fluid therapy context.
Choice D reason: Dehydration is unlikely, as 0.45% sodium chloride provides free water, promoting hydration. It corrects hypernatremia or replaces fluid losses. Evaluating for dehydration is unnecessary unless infusion is inadequate or losses persist, which is not indicated in the context of this hypotonic solution.