A nurse is planning care for a client who is 6 hr. postoperative following a right knee arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Choice A Reason:

Increasing the flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous and should not be done without proper instruction.

Choice B Reason:

Synthetic blankets can generate static electricity, which poses a fire hazard in the presence of oxygen. Clients using oxygen therapy should be advised to use cotton or wool blankets that are less likely to generate static.

Choice C Reason:

"I will check my oxygen equipment at least once daily." This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of equipment safety and maintenance in home oxygen therapy. Regularly checking oxygen equipment for proper functioning is essential for the client's safety. It helps ensure that the oxygen delivery system is working correctly and that there are no issues with flow rate or oxygen concentration.

Choice D Reason:

Isopropyl alcohol is flammable and should not be used to clean oxygen equipment due to the risk of ignition in the presence of oxygen. Clients should use mild soap and water for cleaning nasal cannulas and other equipment.

Choice A Reason:

Improved respiratory function is incorrect. Pancrelipase primarily helps with the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. It does not directly impact respiratory function. Respiratory improvement in cystic fibrosis typically involves treatments such as airway clearance techniques, bronchodilators, and antibiotics to manage lung infections.

Choice B Reason:

Reduced fat in the stools is correct. Pancrelipase is an enzyme replacement therapy used to treat individuals with cystic fibrosis, a condition that affects the pancreas's ability to produce digestive enzymes. Cystic fibrosis leads to the malabsorption of nutrients, especially fats. Pancrelipase supplements these digestive enzymes and helps the child digest and absorb fat properly. As a result, one of the expected therapeutic effects of pancrelipase is a reduction in fat in the stools, as the enzymes aid in the digestion of dietary fats, leading to improved absorption of nutrients. This, in turn, can help address malnutrition and promote overall health in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Choice C Reason:

Improved absorption of vitamins B and C is incorrect. While pancrelipase can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), it does not directly affect the absorption of vitamins B and C, which are water-soluble vitamins. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins due to impaired fat digestion.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased sodium excretion is incorrect. Cystic fibrosis is associated with excessive loss of salt (sodium chloride) in sweat. Pancrelipase does not directly affect sodium excretion. Treatment for managing sodium loss typically involves salt supplementation and ensuring proper hydration.