A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the ICU to the medical floor. The client was recently weaned from mechanical ventilation following a pneumonectomy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the change-of-shift report?

- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.

Choice A rationale:

Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day can lead to dehydration and other health complications. It is important for the client to maintain adequate hydration, especially postpartum. This option is incorrect and potentially harmful.

Choice B rationale:

Manual expression of milk can help relieve engorgement without stimulating further milk production. This method allows the client to express milk as needed. However, it can be done even before engorgment occurs

Choice C rationale:

Wearing a snug-fitting bra can provide support and comfort.

Choice D rationale:

Applying moist heat to the breasts can stimulate milk production and relieve engorgement. However, in this case, the client wants to suppress lactation. Therefore, this option is not appropriate and may have the opposite effect of increasing milk production.