A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities and has a new prescription for a heating pad. The prescription reads, "Apply to the left foot for 20 min." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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 C Hemoglobin 8.6 g/dL indicates the nurse should notify the provider because it is below the normal range of 12 to 18 g/dL and suggests blood loss or anemia, which can impair oxygen delivery to tissues and affect wound healing.

Choice a is not correct because blood glucose 98 mg/dL does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 70 to 110 mg/dL and does not indicate hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can affect recovery.

Choice b is not correct because BUN 18 mg/dL does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and does not indicate renal impairment or dehydration, which can affect fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice d is not correct because potassium 3.5 mEq/L does not indicate the nurse should notify the provider because it is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L and does not indicate hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, which can affect cardiac function and muscle contraction.