A nurse is applying cold therapy to a client's face following oral surgery. The nurse should identify that which of the following is a therapeutic effect of cold therapy?

A. Administer an antibiotic: There is no indication of infection; WBC count is normal, and the client is afebrile. The reported symptoms relate to lifestyle and substance use rather than a bacterial illness, making antibiotics unnecessary.

B. Limit alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day: The client uses 4–5 beers nightly to sleep, indicating alcohol misuse that can exacerbate hypertension and negatively impact sleep quality. Limiting intake supports cardiovascular and liver health, and aligns with public health recommendations.

C. Limit foods high in potassium: The client’s potassium level is within the normal range (3.7 mEq/L), and there is no evidence of kidney dysfunction or hyperkalemia. Restricting potassium is unwarranted and could risk deficiency.

D. Administer a diuretic: The client has elevated blood pressure (162/90 mm Hg), which may require pharmacologic intervention. Diuretics are a common first-line treatment for hypertension as they reduce fluid overload and vascular resistance.

E. Keep daily fat intake to less than 35%: The client’s LDL (210 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (248 mg/dL) levels are significantly elevated. Reducing total fat intake, particularly saturated fats, is essential for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

F. Place on 2,300 mg sodium diet: A sodium-restricted diet is standard for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to help control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular complications.

A. Ask the assistive personnel to document the client's time of death: Documenting the time of death is a critical nursing responsibility and should be done by the nurse or healthcare provider, not delegated to assistive personnel. Accurate documentation is essential for legal and medical records, especially when an autopsy is planned.

B. Wear sterile gloves when cleaning the client's body: Sterile gloves are not necessary for routine postmortem care; clean gloves are sufficient. Sterile gloves are reserved for invasive procedures to prevent infection, whereas postmortem care focuses on hygiene and respect for the deceased.

C. Place an identification tag on the outside of the client's shroud: Proper identification of the deceased is crucial, especially when an autopsy is required. Placing an identification tag on the shroud ensures correct identification during transport and handling, preventing misidentification and maintaining respect for the client.

D. Remove the client's dentures and give them to the client's family: Dentures should typically remain in the client's mouth during postmortem care to preserve facial structure and appearance. Removing them can alter the deceased’s appearance, which may be distressing to the family and is generally avoided unless specifically requested.