A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine.

Which of the following food recommendations should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)

- A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.

- B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.

- C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.

- D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.

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.