A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has cystic fibrosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take prior to initiating postural drainage?

Choice A rationale:

Metallic taste in mouth. Metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including sertraline. It occurs due to the medication's effect on taste receptors. Patients should be informed about this side effect, but it is not a serious adverse effect that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B rationale:

Increased urinary frequency. Increased urinary frequency is not a commonly reported side effect of sertraline. While some individuals may experience changes in urination patterns, it is not a significant adverse effect associated with this medication.

Choice C rationale:

Dry cough. Dry cough is not a known side effect of sertraline. Cough can occur due to various reasons, such as allergies, respiratory infections, or other medications, but it is not directly caused by sertraline.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive sweating. Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a potential adverse effect of sertraline. It can be bothersome for some individuals and may impact their quality of life. Patients should be aware of this side effect and report it to their healthcare provider if it becomes bothersome or persistent.

Choice A rationale:

"Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights." This is the correct answer. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights, along with an asymmetrical appearance of the spine when viewed from the back, are clinical manifestations of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt before puberty. Screening for scoliosis typically involves assessing the alignment of the spine and looking for these asymmetries.

Choice B rationale:

Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum is not a typical sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily affects the upper back and can cause a side-to-side curvature of the spine, not the sacrum.

Choice C rationale:

Limited range-of-motion of the hips is not a specific indicator of scoliosis. Restricted hip movement might suggest other musculoskeletal issues but is not directly related to scoliosis.

Choice D rationale:

Mild pain in the hip region is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis. While scoliosis can cause discomfort, it typically manifests as back pain, not specifically in the hip region. Pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals and might not be present in all cases of scoliosis.