A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy and has a chest tube drainage system in place. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a need for intervention?

Choice A reason: "My wife tries to get me to go to the grocery store, but I don't like to go out much." This statement indicates that the client is not adapting well, as they are avoiding social activities and isolating themselves. The client may have low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety.

Choice B reason: "I am using the modified feeding utensils at every meal. I still spill, but I'm getting better." This statement indicates that the client is adapting well, as they are using adaptive devices and practicing their skills. The client also expresses a positive attitude and a sense of improvement.

Choice C reason: "My greatest pleasure each day is having a few beers every day." This statement indicates that the client is not adapting well, as they are abusing alcohol and possibly selfmedicating. The client may have emotional distress, chronic pain, or addiction.

Choice D reason: "I have all the equipment to take a shower, but I prefer a bed bath, because it is easier." This statement indicates that the client is not adapting well, as they are not using the available resources and opting for a less independent option. The client may have low motivation, poor selfcare, or learned helplessness.

Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the client’s bedside is a necessary action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It can also affect the adjacent cranial nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and the vagus (CN X) nerves, which are involved in swallowing and gagging. A client with acoustic neuroma may have difficulty swallowing and clearing secretions, which can increase the risk of aspiration and respiratory infections. The nurse should have suction equipment ready to remove any excess saliva or mucus from the client’s mouth or throat.

Choice B reason: Avoiding the use of warm water to wash the client’s face is not a relevant action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. The temperature of the water does not affect the function of these nerves or the tumor. The nurse should use gentle and appropriate hygiene measures to clean the client’s face and prevent skin breakdown.

Choice C reason: Providing range of motion exercises to the client’s neck and shoulders is not a priority action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Range of motion exercises can help to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness, but they are not directly related to the cranial nerve impairment or the tumor. The nurse should consult with a physical therapist to determine the best exercise regimen for the client.

Choice D reason: Applying an eye patch to the client’s right eye is not a helpful action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. An eye patch is used to protect the eye from injury or infection, or to treat conditions such as strabismus or amblyopia. An eye patch does not affect the function of the cranial nerves IX and X or the tumor. The nurse should monitor the client’s eye movements and vision, as acoustic neuroma can also affect the facial (CN VII) and oculomotor (CN III) nerves, which are involved in blinking and eye movement.