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:
Activities that could result in bleeding should be minimized for a client with neutropenia due to the increased risk of infection from open wounds. However, this is not the primary restriction related to neutropenia itself but rather a general precaution for patients with low platelet counts or other clotting issues.

Choice B reason:
Restricting all visitors from entering the client's room is not necessary unless the visitors are sick or have been exposed to infectious diseases. Neutropenic patients are at increased risk for infection, so visitors should be screened for illness, but complete isolation is not required.

Choice C reason:
Modifying oral fluid intake to between meals only is not a standard restriction for neutropenic patients. Adequate hydration is essential, and there are no specific neutropenia-related reasons to restrict fluids to between meals.

Choice D reason:
Fresh flowers and potted plants should be avoided in the room of a neutropenic patient. They can harbor fungi and other microorganisms that could cause infection in an immunocompromised individual. Neutropenic precautions typically include avoiding standing water and plants that may contain harmful bacteria or fungi.

Choice A reason: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
TSH levels can affect sexual function. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to ED. Hyperthyroidism can cause premature ejaculation, while hypothyroidism can reduce libido and cause ED. Therefore, assessing thyroid function is important in the evaluation of ED.

Choice B reason: Blood glucose
Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of ED. High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control erection. Therefore, testing for diabetes with a blood glucose test is a standard part of the ED evaluation.

Choice C reason: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
PTT is not typically used to evaluate ED. It measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is usually used to assess bleeding disorders or the effectiveness of blood-thinning medication.

Choice D reason: Testosterone
Low testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and ED. Testosterone replacement therapy may improve the situation if this is the case. Hence, measuring testosterone levels is a critical part of the ED workup.

Choice E reason: Total cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which can impede blood flow to the penis and cause ED. Therefore, a lipid profile, including total cholesterol, is often checked when evaluating ED.