A nurse is planning discharge teaching for an adolescent who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan?

A) Aspirin can be given to decrease the fever caused by varicella: Aspirin should not be used in children with varicella (chickenpox) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage. Instead, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended for fever management in these cases.

B) Maintaining a warm environment decreases the eruption of lesions: Maintaining a warm environment does not affect the eruption of varicella lesions and could potentially exacerbate discomfort. A cool environment and loose, comfortable clothing are preferred to help alleviate itching and discomfort.

C) Varicella has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days: The incubation period for varicella is typically 10 to 21 days after exposure. The shorter period of 1 to 3 days is not accurate for varicella and does not reflect the standard incubation period of this disease.

D) An antihistamine can be administered to decrease pruritus: Antihistamines are effective in managing itching (pruritus) associated with varicella lesions. They can help provide relief from the discomfort caused by the rash, making this an appropriate intervention.

A) Expect optimum visual acuity to return in 4 to 6 weeks: While some improvement in vision can be noted soon after cataract surgery, optimal visual acuity typically returns within 1 to 2 months. It's important to set realistic expectations for recovery. Telling the patient to expect optimum visual acuity to return in 4 to 6 weeks provides a more accurate timeframe for complete visual recovery.

B) Notify the provider if new floaters persist for more than 3 days: The presence of new floaters can be a sign of complications such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. However, patients are generally advised to notify their provider immediately if they notice any new floaters, flashes of light, or a sudden decrease in vision, rather than waiting for three days. Immediate notification can lead to prompt evaluation and treatment if necessary.

C) Take aspirin every 4 to 6 hr for mild discomfort: Aspirin is generally avoided postoperatively due to its blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, non-aspirin pain relievers like acetaminophen are usually recommended to manage mild discomfort after cataract surgery, as they do not carry the same risk of bleeding complications.

D) Avoid lifting objects that weigh 9.07 kg (20 lb) or more: Patients are advised to avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in strenuous activities after cataract surgery to prevent increased intraocular pressure, which can interfere with healing and potentially cause complications such as bleeding or dislocation of the intraocular lens. This instruction helps ensure the safety and proper healing of the surgical site.