A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a fracture of the right fibula with a shortleg cast in place and a new prescription for crutches. The client is non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Limit each of the client's visitors to 2 hr per day."
This is incorrect. While visitors should have their exposure limited, the recommended duration is typically much shorter (around 30 minutes to 1 hour), not 2 hours. This is to reduce radiation exposure.

B. "Instruct visitors to stay 1 m (3.3 feet) away from the client."
This is correct. For clients undergoing brachytherapy with a low-dose radiation implant, visitors should maintain a safe distance, usually at least 6 feet (1.8 meters), but some guidelines may state a minimum of 3.3 feet (1 meter) for safety, depending on the specific radiation dose and facility protocols.

C. "Attach a dosimeter to the client's gown."
This is incorrect. Dosimeters are generally worn by healthcare providers, not the patient. The primary purpose is to measure the radiation exposure of healthcare workers, not the patient.

D. "Strain the client's urine."
This is incorrect. Straining urine is not necessary for a patient undergoing brachytherapy. However, it may be important to monitor the urine for signs of radiation leakage, but straining is not a routine part of care.

Administer high-dose antibiotic therapy.

Rationale:

• A. Initiate droplet isolation precautions is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not transmitted by droplets, but by autosomal recessive inheritance.
• B. Keep the child on NPO status for 12 hr is incorrect because there is no indication for withholding oral intake in this child. The child needs adequate hydration and nutrition to prevent dehydration and malnutrition due to increased metabolic demands and mucus production.
• C. Maintain the child on bed rest for 24 hr is incorrect because bed rest can worsen the child's respiratory status by decreasing lung expansion and increasing mucus retention. The child needs to be encouraged to ambulate and participate in activities as tolerated to promote airway clearance and prevent atelectasis and infection.
• D. Administer high-dose antibiotic therapy is correct because the child has signs of a pulmonary infection, such as wheezing, productive cough, and thick sputum. Antibiotics are indicated to treat the infection and prevent complications such as pneumonia and bronchiectasis.