A nurse is providing care to a client who is preparing to undergo surgery. The client inquires about advance directives. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Counterpressure helps back labor pain, not cesarean incision pain. It targets muscle tension, not surgical site discomfort, which stems from tissue trauma. For a day-old cesarean, this misaligns with pain source, lacking scientific support for reducing abdominal strain during position changes post-surgery.

Choice B reason: Limiting position changes reduces mobility, risking complications like thrombosis or stiffness post-cesarean. Movement aids recovery, and pain management should facilitate, not hinder, it. This advice contradicts evidence-based practice promoting early ambulation, making it an ineffective and potentially harmful nonpharmacological strategy.

Choice C reason: Splinting the incision with a pillow supports the abdominal wall, reducing strain on sutures during movement. This decreases pain from muscle stretching post-cesarean, aligning with scientific principles of mechanical support, making it an effective, evidence-based nonpharmacological method to manage discomfort safely.

Choice D reason: Patterned breathing aids labor or anxiety, not surgical pain. It distracts from discomfort but does not address physical strain on the cesarean incision during position changes. Lacking direct mechanical relief, it’s less effective scientifically compared to splinting for this specific postoperative pain context.

Choice A reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, lowers BP, causing orthostatic hypotension. Caution when standing prevents falls, showing grasp of this key side effect.

Choice B reason: Leafy greens affect warfarin, not metoprolol. No dietary restriction applies, so this reflects confusion about beta-blocker side effects.

Choice C reason: Weight gain, not loss, may occur with metoprolol from fluid retention. Expecting loss misinterprets its metabolic impact, indicating misunderstanding.

Choice D reason: Taste loss isn’t a metoprolol effect; it’s linked to other drugs. This shows incorrect attribution of side effects to the medication.