A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for surgery.

Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for delayed wound healing. Select all that apply.

A. Ensure the oxygen delivery system is at least 8 feet from any heat source: Oxygen is flammable, and this safety measure helps prevent fire hazards in the home environment.

B. Store the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank: Keeping the wrench with the tank ensures quick and easy access in case the oxygen needs to be turned on or off during an emergency.

C. Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed to ease breathing: Clients should never adjust oxygen flow independently; flow rate changes must be prescribed and monitored by the healthcare provider to prevent complications like oxygen toxicity or hypoventilation.

D. Take antibiotic medication with or without food: This varies by antibiotic. Cefazolin, for example, was given IV in the hospital, and the oral form prescribed for home use might require food to reduce GI side effects; instructions should be drug-specific.

E. Take steroid medication in the morning: Steroids mimic the body’s natural cortisol rhythm; taking them in the morning minimizes insomnia and other endocrine side effects.

F. Decrease the steroid dose each day: Steroid tapering must follow a specific provider-prescribed regimen. Improper tapering can lead to adrenal insufficiency or withdrawal symptoms.

G. Take antibiotics for 10 days: Completing the full antibiotic course, even if symptoms improve, helps prevent antibiotic resistance and ensures complete eradication of the infection.

A. Impaired hearing: Impaired hearing can increase the risk of injury by reducing the client’s ability to hear alarms or warnings. However, it is considered a sensory impairment rather than a lifestyle choice.

B. Reduced health literacy: Low health literacy can contribute to poor understanding of safety instructions and adherence to precautions, increasing injury risk. Nonetheless, it relates more to knowledge deficits than lifestyle behaviors.

C. Lower extremity weakness: Weakness in the legs increases fall risk due to impaired mobility and balance. This is a physical or functional risk factor rather than a lifestyle risk.

D. Texting while driving: Texting while driving is a high-risk lifestyle behavior directly associated with increased injury and accident rates. It involves voluntary behavior that compromises safety and is a preventable cause of injury.