A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client has maintained control of his blood glucose levels for the past 3 months?

The correct answer is C. Consume a diet high in antioxidants.

Choice A: Complete breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation.

Performing breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation is not recommended. The best time to perform a breast self-exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. This timing helps in detecting any unusual changes more accurately.

Choice B: Expect clear discharge from the nipples.

While some nipple discharge can be normal, it is not something that should be expected as a routine part of breast health. Clear, yellow, or white discharge can occur due to hormonal changes, but any spontaneous discharge, especially if it is bloody or from one breast, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Choice C: Consume a diet high in antioxidants.

Consuming a diet high in antioxidants is beneficial for overall health and may help reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to cancer development. Foods rich in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Choice D: Include meats grilled over high heat in the diet.

Including meats grilled over high heat in the diet is not advisable for someone concerned about cancer risk. Grilling meats at high temperatures can produce carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is better to avoid or limit the consumption of grilled meats.

Choice A reason: Discarding soiled wound care supplies in a trash receptacle outside the client's room is not an appropriate action. The nurse should dispose of contaminated materials in a biohazard container inside the client's room to prevent the spread of infection.

Choice B reason: Administering antibiotic therapy before culturing the client's wound is not an appropriate action. The nurse should obtain a wound culture before starting antibiotic therapy to ensure accurate results and avoid altering the microorganisms present in the wound.

Choice C reason: Instructing visitors to perform hand hygiene for 15 seconds after leaving the client's room is not an appropriate action. The nurse should instruct visitors to perform hand hygiene for at least 20 seconds before and after entering the client's room to reduce the risk of transmitting infection.

Choice D reason: Placing the client in a private room with a private bathroom is an appropriate action. The nurse should implement contact precautions for a client who has an infectious wound with foul-smelling drainage to prevent cross-contamination and protect other clients and staff from exposure.