A nurse is caring for a client who has a wound infection that contains vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Which of the following types of precautions should the nurse plan to take while caring for this client?

Choice A reason: Avoiding large amounts of fluids before bedtime can help prevent disruptions in sleep due to the need to urinate during the night.

Choice B reason: Consuming alcohol, even in the form of a glass of wine, just before bedtime can interfere with the sleep cycle and lead to disrupted sleep.

Choice C reason: Engaging in brisk exercise before bedtime can be stimulating and may make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Choice D reason: Performing muscle relaxation techniques in the afternoon can help reduce overall tension but doing them closer to bedtime would be more beneficial for promoting sleep.

Choice A reason: Expecting the client to express pain both verbally and nonverbally is important in postoperative care. Pain expression is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals. Some clients may verbalize their discomfort, while others may exhibit nonverbal cues such as grimacing, restlessness, or guarding the affected area. It is crucial for nurses to be attentive to all forms of pain expression to assess and manage the client's pain effectively.

Choice B reason: Administering opioids with caution is a standard practice due to the risk of addiction; however, the statement that they will eventually lead to addiction is misleading. Opioids, when used appropriately and under medical supervision, are an effective component of postoperative pain management. The risk of addiction is present but can be mitigated through careful monitoring, patient education, and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

Choice C reason: Administering analgesics orally for fast-acting pain relief is a common practice, especially when immediate onset is not required. Oral administration is non-invasive and convenient, but it is not the fastest method for pain relief compared to intravenous administration. The choice of analgesic and the route of administration should be based on the client's pain level, type of surgery, and individual needs.

Choice D reason: Using a pain scale from 0 to 10 is an effective way to monitor the severity of the client's pain. This method provides a quantifiable measure of pain intensity, allowing for consistent assessment and facilitating communication between the client and healthcare providers. It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions and in making necessary adjustments to the pain management plan.

Choice E reason: Considering the client's individual expression of pain is essential in postoperative care. Pain is a personal experience, and what may be tolerable for one person could be unbearable for another. Factors such as cultural background, previous pain experiences, psychological state, and the presence of comorbidities can influence pain perception. Tailoring pain management strategies to the individual's needs and preferences is key to effective pain control.