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?

The correct answer is choice C, malaise.

Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that can be a sign of infection. According to the health search result from Focus Medica , bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that causes symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Malaise is one of the symptoms that may follow these signs of infection.

Choice A, drooling, is wrong because it is not a typical symptom of bacterial pneumonia.

Drooling can be caused by other conditions, such as sore throat, dental problems, or neurological disorders.

Choice B, tinnitus, is wrong because it is not a symptom of bacterial pneumonia either.

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or other ear problems.

Choice D, rhinorrhea, is wrong because it is not specific to bacterial pneumonia.

Rhinorrhea is a runny nose that can be caused by many factors, such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

Rhinorrhea can sometimes occur with viral pneumonia, but not usually with bacterial pneumonia.

Choice A reason:

Determine previous coping skills used by the client is not appropriate. Assessing the client's previous coping skills is an essential step in the assessment phase of the therapeutic relationship, not specifically during the orientation phase. This information helps the nurse to understand the client's coping mechanisms and identify potential areas for improvement or support.

Choice B reason:

Facilitate the client's problem-solving skills is not appropriate the nurse may work on facilitating the client's problem-solving skills throughout the therapeutic relationship, including during the working phase. During this phase, the nurse and client collaborate to explore and address the client's concerns and challenges.

Choice Creason:

Assisting the client in expressing alternative behaviours is not appropriate. This action may also be part of the working phase, where the nurse helps the client explore alternative behaviours and coping strategies to address their issues and challenges.

Choice D reason:

The orientation phase is the initial stage of the therapeutic relationship where the nurse and the client get to know each other and establish the groundwork for their working relationship. During this phase, it is essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the nurse and the client to ensure a clear understanding of each other's expectations.