A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has had a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine cancer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:
While a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range, it is not typically considered an emergency for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This client would require monitoring and potential adjustment of their diabetes management plan, but it does not necessitate immediate assessment.

Choice B reason:
For a client with diabetes insipidus, an intake of 1,500 mL and an output of 1,600 mL in 24 hours is within expected parameters, considering the condition's characteristic polyuria and polydipsia. This client would need ongoing monitoring to maintain fluid balance but is not the highest priority for immediate assessment.

Choice C reason:
A heart rate of 100/min and tremors in a client with Graves' disease could indicate that their condition is not well-controlled. However, these symptoms are not as acutely concerning as those of a stroke and would be addressed after more urgent needs are met.

Choice D reason:
A client who has had a left-sided stroke and reports a severe headache and confusion is exhibiting signs of a possible acute neurological change or complication, such as increased intracranial pressure or hemorrhage. This client requires immediate assessment and intervention due to the potential for rapid deterioration and life-threatening complications.

The correct answer is: a, b, c, and e.

Choice A: “I will make sure to feel for changes in my underarm area.”

Reason: This statement is correct because the underarm area (axilla) contains lymph nodes that can be affected by breast cancer. Including the underarm area in a breast self-exam helps in detecting any unusual lumps or changes that could indicate a problem.

Choice B: “It is important to press firmly when feeling my breasts to detect changes.”

Reason: This statement is correct because using firm pressure during a breast self-exam helps to feel the deeper tissues of the breast, which is essential for detecting any abnormalities or lumps that might be present.

Choice C: “I don’t have to lie down to check my breasts. I can stand in the shower.”

Reason: This statement is correct because performing a breast self-exam in the shower is a common and effective method. The wet and slippery skin makes it easier to feel for any changes or lumps in the breast tissue.

Choice D: “If I feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of my breasts, I should report this immediately.”

Reason: This statement is incorrect because it is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of the breast. This ridge is part of the normal breast anatomy and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Choice E: “Since I no longer have periods, I can perform an examination at any time of the month.”

Reason: This statement is correct because menopausal women do not have menstrual cycles to guide the timing of their breast self-exams. Therefore, they can choose any consistent day each month to perform the exam.