A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following equipment should the nurse ensure that the client has available at home prior to discharge?

Answer: D. A client whose medications to manage Parkinson's disease are no longer effective.

Rationale:

A) A client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus and cannot afford insulin:

While this client has a significant medical issue, the primary concern here is financial rather than palliative. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for those with serious illnesses. Addressing the client's financial issues might involve social services or community resources rather than palliative care.

B) A client who has Meniere's disease and cannot safely ambulate due to vertigo:

Meniere's disease, while debilitating, may not necessarily require palliative care unless the symptoms are severely impacting the client's quality of life in a way that is not manageable with current treatments. Palliative care could be considered if the disease is severely limiting function and other supportive care is needed.

C) A client who had a stroke and cannot eat or drink without choking:

This client is experiencing a significant functional impairment due to the stroke, which might benefit from rehabilitative services rather than palliative care. Palliative care would be more appropriate if the client's condition is progressive, severe, and not responsive to treatment, leading to a focus on comfort and quality of life.

D) A client whose medications to manage Parkinson's disease are no longer effective:

When medications for Parkinson's disease are no longer effective, the client may be experiencing advanced symptoms and a decline in quality of life. Palliative care can provide symptom management, support, and enhance the client's quality of life when conventional treatments are no longer effective in controlling symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Using fingers to remove loose tissue is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take when providing hydrotherapy for a burn wound. This action can cause further trauma to the wound and increase the risk of infection.

Choice B rationale:

Opening small blisters to expose air is contraindicated in burn wound management. The blister roof provides a natural barrier against infection, and puncturing them increases the risk of infection and delays the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer is to wash the burn with a mild soap. Cleaning the burn wound with mild soap and water helps remove debris and minimize the risk of infection without causing additional damage.

Choice D rationale:

Applying wet-to-dry dressings is an outdated and inappropriate practice for burn wound care. Wet-to-dry dressings can be painful, disrupt wound healing, and increase the risk of infection. Modern burn wound care focuses on maintaining a moist environment to support optimal healing.