A nurse is instructing a client who has cancer about precautions to take while undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:
Notifying the surgeon of the temperature elevation is important, but it is not the nurse's priority. A temperature elevation after abdominal surgery could be a sign of infection, but the immediate action should be to assess the surgical incision for any signs of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is a good practice to maintain hydration and promote recovery after surgery. However, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The elevated temperature and potential infection take precedence over increasing fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. An elevated temperature is a significant finding after surgery, and it may indicate a surgical site infection, which requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is an essential nursing intervention after surgery, but it is not the priority when the client has an elevated temperature and a recent surgical incision.
The nurse must first assess for signs of infection before proceeding with routine vital sign monitoring.

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates the client's fear and concern about the colostomy's odor, showing a lack of adaptation to the situation.

Choice B rationale:

Comparing the stoma to a strawberry with a hole in it might suggest the client is not fully accepting or understanding the colostomy, indicating a lack of adaptation.

Choice C rationale:

This statement suggests that the client has delegated the task of emptying the colostomy bag to their partner, which indicates a level of acceptance and adaptation to the new situation.

The client trusts their partner with this intimate task, demonstrating a positive sign of adaptation.

Choice D rationale:

Eliminating many foods from the diet suggests difficulty in adjusting to the dietary changes required for managing a colostomy, indicating a lack of full adaptation.