A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new sigmoid colostomy. Which of the following comments by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Recommend frequent hot baths: Hot baths can exacerbate symptoms in clients with multiple sclerosis by increasing fatigue and worsening muscle weakness due to a rise in core body temperature. Clients are usually advised to avoid overheating and use cooling strategies instead to manage their symptoms.

B. Encourage the client to restrict performing range-of-motion exercises: Range-of-motion exercises are important in maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Restricting these exercises could lead to increased stiffness, weakness, and decreased functional ability in clients with multiple sclerosis.

C. Monitor the client's ability to perform ADLs: Monitoring the client's ability to perform activities of daily living is essential because multiple sclerosis often leads to progressive physical limitations. Regular assessment helps in planning appropriate interventions, promoting independence, and adjusting care as the disease progresses.

D. Initiate contact precautions: Contact precautions are not necessary for clients with multiple sclerosis because it is not an infectious disease. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative condition that requires supportive care rather than infection control measures.

• Deep tendon patellar reflex: The client's deep tendon reflexes improved from being hyperreflexive at 4+ to normal at 2+ without clonus on Day 2. This is a positive sign because hyperreflexia increases seizure risk in preeclampsia, and normalization indicates stabilization of neurological irritability.
• Blood pressure: Although still elevated, the blood pressure decreased from 166/110 mm Hg to 152/90 mm Hg by Day 2. While not normal yet, the trend toward lower values represents improvement in controlling the severe hypertension associated with preeclampsia.
• Heart rate: The client's heart rate increased slightly from 72/min to 90/min. While still within normal range, this change reflects a more responsive and stable cardiovascular status, and there are no signs of bradycardia or distress, supporting mild improvement.
• Edema: The client continues to have +3 pitting edema bilaterally, with no reported reduction compared to the initial assessment. Persistent severe edema suggests that fluid balance issues from preeclampsia have not yet improved and still require active management.