A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a female client who has the communicable disease herpes simplex virus II. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) "Suggest the client avoid snacking during the day.": Snacking can help maintain caloric intake and prevent malnutrition. It is generally beneficial for clients with wasting syndrome to have frequent, small meals and snacks throughout the day to increase overall caloric and nutrient intake.

B) "Encourage the client to rest before eating meals.": Resting before meals can help conserve energy, making it easier for clients with wasting syndrome to eat larger portions and improve their nutritional intake. Fatigue can significantly reduce appetite and meal consumption, so conserving energy for eating is a practical strategy.

C) "Instruct the client to consume 1 L of fluid daily.": Proper hydration is important, but 1 liter may be insufficient for overall hydration needs. Clients with AIDS and wasting syndrome should be encouraged to maintain adequate fluid intake to support overall health and aid in digestion, which typically requires more than 1 liter per day.

D) "Tell the client to increase the saturated fat content of each meal.": Increasing saturated fat content is not advisable as it can lead to other health complications such as cardiovascular disease. Instead, a balanced diet with healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates is more appropriate to address malnutrition in clients with wasting syndrome.

A) "I have been taking acetaminophen when my knees start to hurt.":
Taking acetaminophen for pain relief indicates that the client is managing the osteoarthritis symptoms appropriately. Acetaminophen is a recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain associated with osteoarthritis and can help improve the client's quality of life by reducing discomfort.

B) "I've been sleeping on my back with a large pillow under my knees.":
Sleeping with a large pillow under the knees can cause the knees to remain in a flexed position for prolonged periods, potentially leading to joint stiffness and worsening pain. This practice is not typically recommended for clients with osteoarthritis as it can exacerbate symptoms.

C) "I have been exercising every day, even when I have pain.":
While regular exercise is beneficial for managing osteoarthritis, it is important to avoid exercising through significant pain. Pain during exercise may indicate overuse or joint damage. Clients should be encouraged to modify their activities to prevent further joint stress and manage symptoms effectively.

D) "I've been changing my lidocaine patches every 18 hours.":
Lidocaine patches are typically designed for 12-hour application periods, followed by a 12-hour off period. Changing the patches every 18 hours may not provide the intended relief and could lead to inconsistent pain management. Proper use of pain management techniques is essential for effective disease management.