A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia.

Exhibit 1

Medication Administration Record

Day 1, 1500:

Cefazolin 500 mg every 12 hr IV

Dexamethasone 15 mg every 6 hr IV

Day 3, 1200:

Discontinue dexamethasone 15 mg every 6 hr IV Prednisone 40 mg PO daily

Day 4, 1500:

Discontinue cefazolin 500 mg every 12 hr IV
The nurse is providing discharge teaching for the client and their caregiver. Which of the following information should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A. Urinary catheter care:

While urinary catheter care is important for maintaining urinary hygiene and preventing urinary tract infections, it is not as urgent as addressing respiratory needs. If the client is stable and not experiencing acute urinary retention or other urinary complications requiring immediate intervention, urinary catheter care can be performed after addressing respiratory concerns.

B. Wound irrigation:

Wound irrigation is typically performed to clean and debride wounds, promoting healing and preventing infection. While wound care is essential for preventing complications, it is not as urgent as ensuring adequate respiratory function, particularly in a client with an artificial airway requiring suctioning.

C. Enteral feeding:

Enteral feeding is crucial for providing nutrition to clients who cannot consume adequate nutrients orally. However, initiating enteral feeding can wait until the client's respiratory needs are addressed, as the immediate priority is to ensure effective breathing and oxygenation.

D. Endotracheal suctioning

Endotracheal suctioning is a critical procedure performed to clear secretions from the airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with artificial airways such as endotracheal tubes. Maintaining a patent airway is a fundamental aspect of patient care, and suctioning helps prevent airway obstruction, hypoxia, and respiratory distress. Therefore, it takes precedence over other procedures in ensuring the client's respiratory stability and preventing potential complications.

A. "I will weigh myself once weekly."Clients with heart failure should weigh themselves daily to monitor for fluid retention. A sudden weight gain (e.g., 2-3 lbs in 24 hours or 5 lbs in a week) may indicate worsening heart failure and should be reported to the provider.

B. "I will take my new medication in the evening."Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine output. Taking it in the evening can lead to nocturia and sleep disturbances. Instead, it should be taken in the morning to minimize nighttime urination.

C. "I will take a hot bath before going to bed."Hot baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which increases the risk of dizziness and falls, especially in older adults taking diuretics. A warm (not hot) bath is safer.

D. "I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night."Older adults, especially those taking diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, are at increased risk for nocturia and falls due to frequent trips to the bathroom. Keeping a light on in the bathroom at night enhances visibility and reduces the risk of falls, which is a major concern in this population.