A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain in their lower extremities following surgery. Which of the following should the nurse address first?

Choice A rationale
While acetaminophen can be used to relieve discomfort, it should be used with caution in patients with liver disease like cirrhosis, as it can potentially cause further liver damage.

Choice B rationale
Patients with cirrhosis, especially those with ascites, are often advised to limit their sodium intake. High-sodium foods can contribute to fluid retention and worsen ascites. Therefore, avoiding high-sodium foods such as canned soups/vegetables, processed meats, and prepackaged frozen dinners is a key part of managing cirrhosis.
Choice C rationale
While maintaining adequate nutrition is important in cirrhosis, eating three large meals per day is not typically recommended. Instead, smaller, more frequent meals are often suggested.
Choice D rationale
While physical activity is generally beneficial, patients with cirrhosis and particularly those with complications such as ascites or encephalopathy may need to modify their activity levels based on their symptoms and overall health.

Choice A rationale
Asking why the patient thinks the copper helps with their arthritis might seem like a good way to understand their beliefs, but it could come off as challenging or dismissive.
Choice B rationale
Acknowledging that the patient feels better wearing the bracelet is a respectful response. It validates the patient’s experience without endorsing the effectiveness of copper bracelets, which lack scientific evidence for treating arthritis.
Choice C rationale

This response could be seen as dismissive of the patient’s beliefs and experiences. It’s important to respect patients’ choices in managing their symptoms, as long as those choices aren’t harmful.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that there’s no scientific basis for believing objects have powers to make you feel better, saying this could come off as dismissive or disrespectful.