A nurse is assisting with developing a discharge plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The client is independent and lives alone. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

The instruction that the nurse should include is "You can take a shower 1 day after your procedure." According to the Cleveland Clinic, the morning after the procedure, the client may take the dressing off the catheter insertion site. The easiest way to do this is when showering, get the tape and dressing wet and remove it.

Option a is incorrect because there is no information suggesting that a client must wait 3 days before resuming a regular diet after a cardiac catheterization.

Option c is incorrect because according to the Cleveland Clinic, clients should gradually increase their activities until they reach their normal activity level within one week after the procedure.

Option d is incorrect because there is no information suggesting that a client must wait 1 week before returning to school after cardiac catheterization.

Answer: B. Compare the result with the baseline reading

Rationale:

A. Check the client's heart rate on the oximeter:
Although checking the heart rate may provide context for assessing the client's overall status, it does not address the primary concern of the low oxygen saturation. Understanding the client's baseline saturation level takes priority to guide further actions effectively.

B. Compare the result with the baseline reading:
Comparing the reading with the client's baseline is essential. For clients with chronic respiratory conditions, baseline oxygen levels may naturally be lower. Identifying if this 88% saturation is typical or unusual for the client helps determine the need for further intervention or adjustment.

C. Decrease the amount of oxygen administered:
Reducing oxygen flow when the saturation is low is contraindicated, as it could worsen hypoxia. Instead, increasing oxygen may be warranted if the reading remains below the baseline after further assessment.

D. Perform another reading while the client ambulates:
Repeating the reading during ambulation may worsen hypoxia and is not ideal without understanding baseline oxygenation at rest. Re-evaluation at rest or in a different position may be more appropriate for accurate assessment.