A home health nurse is teaching a client about home safety. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason:
Palpation can help assess for tenderness, rigidity, or masses in the abdomen, which might indicate infection, bleeding, or other complications. However, palpation could potentially worsen a condition such as an evisceration or dehiscence, or cause additional pain. Therefore, palpation should be done only after the visual inspection and with great caution in the presence of severe pain.
Choice B reason:
Percussion is useful for assessing the presence of gas, fluid, or solid masses in the abdomen. Resonance might indicate normal air-filled intestines, while dullness could suggest fluid or mass. However, percussion is not the first action in an acute setting of sudden severe pain because it does not provide immediate information that could be life-saving. It is a later step in the physical examination.
Choice C reason:
Visual inspection is the first step because it can quickly reveal critical signs such as swelling, distention, redness, or evidence of wound complications like dehiscence or evisceration. Identifying these signs early allows for rapid intervention, which could be life-saving. This is why exposing and inspecting the abdomen is the priority in the context of sudden severe pain following surgery.
Choice D reason:
Listening for bowel sounds can provide information about the function of the gastrointestinal system. Absence of bowel sounds might suggest a paralytic ileus, while hyperactive sounds could indicate a bowel obstruction. However, in the context of sudden, severe abdominal pain postoperatively, auscultation is not the first priority.

Choice A reason:
Needing a new hearing aid every year is not accurate. Hearing aids are not typically replaced annually unless there is a specific issue or significant changes in hearing.
Choice B reason:
"I should gradually increase the time that I wear the hearing aid. “This statement indicates an understanding of the appropriate approach to adapting to a new hearing aid. Gradually increasing the time spent wearing the hearing aid allows the individual to acclimate to the new sounds and avoid overwhelming the auditory system. Starting with shorter periods of use and gradually extending the time can help improve comfort and effectiveness.
Choice C reason:
Leaving the battery in the hearing aid when not in use can lead to battery drain and potential damage. It's important to remove the battery when the hearing aid is not being used.
Choice D reason:
Turning the hearing aid up to the highest volume immediately after insertion is not appropriate. Starting at a lower volume and gradually adjusting as needed is a more appropriate approach to prevent discomfort or potential damage to the ears.