A nurse is reinforcing nutritional teaching with a client who has COPD. Which of the following instructions by the nurse is appropriate?

A. Use a blow dryer on a moderate heat setting to dry the cast after showering.

This is not recommended as using a blow dryer on a cast can cause burns. Instead, the cast should be allowed to air-dry or be dried with a fan.

B. Use a cotton swab to relieve itching under the cast.

Inserting objects, including cotton swabs, under the cast can lead to complications such as infection or skin damage. It is not recommended to insert anything into the cast.

C. Report any worsening or unrelieved pain.

This is the correct instruction. Persistent or increasing pain can indicate complications such as swelling, infection, or neurovascular compromise. It is important for the client to promptly report any changes in pain to healthcare providers.

D. Avoid moving the affected leg.

While it's important to limit movement to allow for proper healing, complete immobilization can lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Gentle range-of-motion exercises for non-weight-bearing areas may be encouraged, but any specific movement instructions should be provided by the healthcare provider. If movement causes significant pain or discomfort, the client should consult the healthcare provider.

A. Yogurt:

Yogurt is not a significant source of iron. While yogurt provides various nutritional benefits, it is not considered an iron-rich food.

B. Oranges:

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods. However, oranges themselves do not contain substantial amounts of iron. The combination of vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods can be beneficial for iron absorption.

C. Turnips:

Turnips are a vegetable that, while nutritious, is not particularly high in iron. Additionally, the iron in plant-based foods like turnips is non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron found in animal products.

D. Roast beef:

Roast beef is a good source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Red meat, such as roast beef, is a valuable dietary source of iron, especially for individuals with iron deficiency.