A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of AIDS. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason : While eating fresh fruits and vegetables is generally healthy, it does not specifically indicate an understanding of AIDS-related teaching. Some fruits and vegetables need to be carefully handled to avoid potential infections.

Choice B reason : Wearing gloves and washing hands after changing a cat's litter box is correct as it helps prevent the transmission of infections, such as toxoplasmosis, which can be particularly harmful to individuals with AIDS.

Choice C reason : Taking clothes to the dry cleaners for sterilization is unnecessary and does not reflect an understanding of AIDS-related precautions.

Choice D reason : Wiping up areas soiled with body fluids with alcohol and disposing of the trash is a good practice for infection control, but it is not as directly related to the client's understanding of AIDS-specific precautions as choice b.

Choice A reason: Injecting the medication into the abdomen above the level of the iliac crest is not recommended. The preferred sites for subcutaneous injections are the fatty tissue over the triceps, the abdomen from below the costal margin to the iliac crests, and the anterior aspects of the thighs. The area above the iliac crest may not have sufficient subcutaneous tissue, which could affect the absorption of the medication.

Choice B reason: Using a 1-inch needle can be appropriate depending on the client's body mass. For most adults, a 5/8-inch to 1-inch needle is recommended for subcutaneous injections to ensure the medication is delivered to the subcutaneous tissue and not into the muscle.

Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle is the appropriate action when administering heparin subcutaneously. A smaller gauge needle, such as 25-gauge, is typically used for subcutaneous injections to minimize discomfort and tissue trauma.

Choice D reason: Massaging the injection site after administration of the medication is not recommended when administering heparin subcutaneously. Massaging the site can cause the medication to be absorbed more quickly than intended and may increase the risk of bleeding.