A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a prescription for heat therapy for the treatment of cellulitis of the right lower leg. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason:
Using an antibiotic ointment is not typically recommended as a preventive measure for skin integrity during radiation therapy. Antibiotic ointments are used to treat bacterial infections, and their use should be directed by a healthcare provider if an infection is present or there is skin breakdown.

Choice B reason:
It is important not to apply heat to the area of irradiation as heat can increase skin irritation and the risk of burns in the treated area. Patients undergoing radiation therapy are advised to avoid heat sources, including heating pads, hot water bottles, and direct sunlight, to prevent further damage to the skin.

Choice C reason:
Lubricating the skin with hypoallergenic lotion can help maintain skin integrity by keeping it moisturized. However, it is crucial to use lotions that are free of metals, alcohol, perfumes, and dyes, as these can react with radiation and cause skin irritation. Lotions should be applied after radiation therapy sessions and not immediately before treatment.

Choice D reason:
The instruction not to wash the area of irradiation is incorrect. It is essential to keep the skin clean to reduce the risk of infection. Patients should gently wash the irradiated area with lukewarm water and mild soap, and pat the area dry with a soft towel. They should avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps that can irritate the skin.

Choice A reason:

Lightheadedness is generally not an indication of effective treatment for dehydration. It is often a symptom of dehydration itself, as it can result from decreased blood volume and reduced blood flow to the brain. Effective rehydration should alleviate symptoms like lightheadedness, not present as an indication of it.

Choice B reason:

Decreased pulse pressure may indicate a drop in the volume of blood circulating through the body, which is not a sign of effective rehydration. Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, and a narrow pulse pressure can be a sign of hypovolemia, or low blood volume, often due to dehydration.

Choice C reason:

Urine output of 75 mL in 1 hr can be considered within the normal range of urine output for an adult, which is typically about 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr⁵. This indicates that the kidneys are functioning and the body is excreting waste, suggesting effective rehydration.

Choice D reason:

A urine specific gravity of 1.038 is higher than the normal range of 1.005 to 1.030[^10^]. This indicates concentrated urine, which is commonly seen in dehydration as the body attempts to conserve water. Therefore, this is not an indication of effective treatment for dehydration.