A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has osteoarthritis and reports taking a glucosamine supplement daily. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A) "I'll use pursed-lip breathing when I feel short of breath.": Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps keep the airways open longer, reduces the work of breathing, and improves ventilation. This statement indicates the client understands a key management strategy for COPD.

B) "I'll skip my exercises for the week if I feel short of breath.": Regular exercise is important for managing COPD, and while adjustments may be necessary when symptoms are severe, completely skipping exercise can lead to deconditioning and worsening of symptoms. This statement does not reflect appropriate management of COPD.

C) "I will use my inhaler 30 minutes after each meal.": Inhalers should be used as prescribed, usually before activities that might trigger symptoms, such as eating, rather than on a fixed schedule unrelated to symptoms or physician's guidance. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of inhaler use.

D) "I will limit myself to drinking only 1 quart of water each day.": Staying hydrated is important for thinning mucus in COPD. Unless there are specific medical reasons to restrict fluids, such as heart failure, limiting water intake could lead to dehydration and thickened mucus, making breathing more difficult. This statement is not appropriate for managing COPD.

A) "After chewing an antacid, wait 1 hour before drinking water.": This is incorrect advice as drinking water after taking an antacid can help wash the medication down and ensure it reaches the stomach effectively. Waiting an hour to drink water is unnecessary and does not benefit GERD management.

B) "Plan to have a bedtime snack each evening.": Having a bedtime snack can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acid production just before lying down. Clients with GERD should avoid eating close to bedtime to minimize symptoms.

C) "Elevate the head of your bed 12 inches.": Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep, which can reduce nighttime GERD symptoms. This is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention for managing GERD.

D) "Eat a sugar-free peppermint when symptoms occur.": Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. Therefore, peppermint is not recommended for managing GERD symptoms.