A nurse is providing teaching to a client following surgery to repair a detached retina of the left eye. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:
A. "You can obtain a personal response system that will be activated if you fall.": A personal emergency response system allows the client to summon help immediately after a fall, promoting independence and safety for individuals living alone.

B. "You should contact a family member once a week to keep in touch.": Weekly contact provides emotional support but does not ensure timely assistance in the event of a fall. Regular communication is helpful, yet it does not directly reduce fall risk or guarantee safety if an emergency occurs.

C. "You can have an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) come to your house daily to stay with you.": Having a UAP visit daily may not be realistic or necessary, especially for independent seniors. This does not provide continuous supervision or an immediate response in case of a fall occurring outside scheduled visits.

D. "You need to move to a skilled nursing facility where they can prevent falls.": Suggesting relocation is premature and disregards the client’s desire for independence. Fall prevention strategies and assistive technology should be explored before recommending institutional care.

Rationale:
A. Acetone breath odor: A fruity or acetone breath odor occurs when the body produces ketones due to fat breakdown in hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This finding is not associated with hypoglycemia but rather prolonged high blood glucose levels.

B. Polydipsia: Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a sign of hyperglycemia because the kidneys attempt to excrete excess glucose, leading to dehydration. It does not occur during hypoglycemia, when blood sugar levels are abnormally low.

C. Inability to concentrate: Low blood glucose deprives the brain of its primary energy source, leading to confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These neuroglycopenic symptoms are hallmark signs of hypoglycemia and can progress to altered consciousness if untreated.

D. Diaphoresis: Sweating is a classic adrenergic response to hypoglycemia as the body releases epinephrine to raise blood glucose levels. It serves as an early warning sign, prompting immediate carbohydrate intake to prevent further decline in blood sugar.

E. Tremors: Tremors occur due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity during hypoglycemia. The body responds to falling glucose by releasing catecholamines, which stimulate muscle activity and cause shaking or trembling sensations.