A nurse is conducting group therapy with clients who have breast cancer. The nurse should recognize which of the following statements by a client as an example of altruism?

A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.

B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.

C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.

D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.

E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.

Maintain sterile objects within the line of vision.

• A. Hold hands folded below the waist after donning sterile gloves. This is incorrect because holding hands below the waist can contaminate the gloves with microorganisms from the floor or clothing.
• B. Pick up and pour solutions with the palm of the hand covering bottle labels. This is incorrect because covering bottle labels can obscure important information such as expiration dates or ingredients.
• C. Keep sterile items within a 1.3 cm (0.5 in) border of the sterile drape. This is incorrect because the border of the sterile drape is considered contaminated and any sterile item that touches it becomes contaminated as well.
• D. Maintain sterile objects within the line of vision. This is correct because keeping an eye on sterile objects ensures that they are not accidentally touched by nonsterile items or persons.