A nurse is creating a plan of care to maintain the skin integrity of a client who experiences frequent diarrhea due to ulcerative colitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A. Petroleum jelly should not be used on the nares with oxygen therapy, as it is flammable and could pose a fire hazard. Non-petroleum-based lubricants should be used if needed.
B. A humidifier should be attached to the flow meter when delivering oxygen at higher flow rates (such as 6 L/min) to prevent dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.
C. The nasal cannula should generally be kept on during meals to ensure continued oxygen therapy, unless it is uncomfortable or the client has other medical needs.
D. The oxygen tubing should be secured to the client’s body or clothing in a way that does not restrict movement or cause injury, but securing it to the bed sheet could lead to a potential tripping hazard or interfere with mobility.

A. Taking all drugs one hour before mealtime is not typically recommended for patients recovering from upper G.I. bleeding. Medications like proton pump inhibitors or antacids may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid, but timing varies. The patient should follow the specific instructions given by the healthcare provider regarding medication administration, especially in the context of G.I. issues.
B. Limiting alcohol intake is important for general health, but after an episode of upper G.I. bleeding, alcohol should be avoided or minimized entirely. Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of further bleeding. The healthcare provider may recommend complete abstinence from alcohol during recovery.
C. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause irritation of the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding, so they should be avoided after an episode of upper G.I. bleeding. This is crucial for preventing recurrence of bleeding.
D. Taking aspirin with milk or bread does not negate its potential for irritation or bleeding risk. Patients recovering from upper G.I. bleeding should avoid aspirin entirely unless specifically directed otherwise by the healthcare provider.
E. Only taking drugs prescribed by the healthcare provider is essential. Over-the-counter medications, especially NSAIDs, should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider, as they can exacerbate the risk of further G.I. bleeding.