A nurse is caring for a client who reports xerostomia following radiation therapy to the mandible.

Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

I will need to keep my hand elevated above my heart for several days.” This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected hand after carpal tunnel surgery.

Elevation promotes venous return and prevents fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Choice A is wrong because applying heat for the first 24 hours can increase blood flow and swelling in the hand, which can cause more pain and delay healing. Ice packs are recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce inflammation.

Choice B is wrong because the client should not avoid using the affected hand for 4 to 6 weeks, as this can lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, and decreased range of motion. The client should move the fingers periodically and perform gentle exercises as prescribed by the surgeon or physical therapist.

Choice C is wrong because numbness and tingling in the hand are signs of nerve compression, which is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The client should expect these symptoms to improve or resolve after surgery, not persist or worsen. If the client experiences numbness and tingling after surgery, they should report it to the surgeon as it may indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma.

Normal ranges for grip strength, pinch strength, and keypinch strength vary depending on age, sex, and hand dominance. However, a general reference for grip strength is 20 to 40 kg for men and 15 to 30 kg for women. For pinch strength, it is 6 to 12 kg for men and 5 to 10 kg for women. For keypinch strength, it is 4 to 8 kg for men and 3 to 7 kg for women.

These values may be lower in older adults or people with chronic conditions.

The client should expect some loss of strength in the affected hand after surgery, but it should gradually improve with rehabilitation.

Banana slices are soft, easy to chew, and can be picked up by the toddler’s fingers, which promotes independence in eating. According to the CDC, foods that toddlers should avoid include:

• Added sugars and no-calorie sweeteners, such as sugar-sweetened and diet drinks
• High-salt foods, such as canned foods, processed meats, frozen dinners, fast food, and junk food
• Unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt, or cheese
• Foods that may cause choking, such as hard or crunchy foods, sticky foods, stringy cheese, and foods that are not cut up into small pieces

Choice A is wrong because popcorn is a choking hazard for toddlers.

It is hard, crunchy, and can get stuck in the airway. The NHS advises not to give whole nuts and peanuts to children under 5 years old.

Choice B is wrong because grapes are also a choking hazard for toddlers.

They are round, slippery, and can block the airway. The NHS recommends cutting grapes into quarters before giving them to young children.

Choice D is wrong because hot dogs are high in salt and can cause choking if not cut up into small pieces. The Extension warns against giving hot dogs to young toddlers.