A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy of the left breast with axillary lymph node dissection. Which of the following exercises should the nurse instruct the client to start on the first postoperative day?

Choice A rationale:

Providing pin care when the client is 4 hours postoperative is not appropriate. The client has just undergone skeletal traction placement, and pin care is usually initiated after 24 hours to allow for initial wound healing.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the weights from the traction while repositioning the client in bed is unsafe and not recommended. The weights should remain in place to provide continuous traction and alignment for the fractured hip.

Choice C rationale:

Assessing the client's circulation every 4 hours is essential to monitor for any signs of impaired circulation, such as swelling, pallor, or decreased pulses. Early detection of circulatory compromise is critical to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Requesting the client to perform ankle exercises on the affected extremity is not appropriate after skeletal traction placement. Ankle exercises could disrupt traction and hinder the healing process of the fractured hip.

Choice A rationale:
Assessing the need for oral suction every 4 hours is essential in maintaining airway patency and preventing complications associated with excessive secretions. This is an appropriate action and does not require clarification.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the ventilator settings every 12 hours is necessary to ensure that the mechanical ventilation is providing adequate support for the client's respiratory needs. This prescription is appropriate and does not need clarification.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the head of the client's bed elevated at 30° is important in preventing aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps promote optimal lung expansion and improves oxygenation in ventilated clients.
Choice D rationale:
Performing oral hygiene using an alcohol-based oral rinse is not recommended for clients receiving mechanical ventilation. Alcohol-based products can be harmful if aspirated and may disrupt the normal oral flora, leading to complications. The nurse should use a non-alcohol-based oral rinse or foam swabs instead.