A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement.
Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

Choice A rationale:

Hyperthyroidism is not a contraindication for niacin use. Niacin is used to lower LDL cholesterol levels and has no specific contraindications related to thyroid disorders.

Choice B rationale:

Asthma is not a contraindication for niacin use. Niacin does not interact with asthma medications or worsen asthma symptoms, so it is not contraindicated in individuals with asthma.

Choice C rationale:

High blood pressure is not a contraindication for niacin use. In fact, niacin can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It is often prescribed to individuals with high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.

Choice D rationale:

Active liver disease is a contraindication for niacin use. Niacin can cause liver damage, and individuals with active liver disease should avoid niacin therapy to prevent further harm to the liver. Monitoring liver function tests is crucial in patients taking niacin to ensure their liver health.

- A. Correct. The nurse should turn off the CPM machine during mealtime, as it can interfere with the client's ability to eat and drink comfortably. The nurse should also turn off the CPM machine when transferring or repositioning the client, or when performing wound care or other interventions on the affected leg.

- B. Incorrect. The nurse should maintain the client's affected hip in a neutral position, as external rotation can cause malalignment of the prosthesis and impair healing. The nurse should use pillows or wedges to support the leg and prevent rotation or abduction of the hip joint.

- C. Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client how to adjust the CPM settings, as this can compromise the prescribed range of motion and speed of the device. The nurse should follow the provider's orders and check with them before making any changes to the CPM settings. The nurse should also monitor the client's pain level and administer analgesics as needed to facilitate compliance with the therapy.

- D. Incorrect. The nurse should not store the CPM machine under the client's bed when not in use, as this can pose a safety hazard and damage the equipment. The nurse should place the CPM machine on a stable surface near the bed and ensure that it is plugged into a grounded outlet and has adequate battery backup in case of power failure.