A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has left-leg weakness and is learning to use a walker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Store the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank.: The wrench is necessary to open the oxygen tank in an emergency or when changing tanks. Keeping it with the tank ensures it is immediately available for the client or caregiver.

B. Take steroid medication in the morning.: Prednisone (a corticosteroid) can cause insomnia and restlessness. Taking it in the morning aligns with the body's natural circadian rhythm of cortisol production and helps prevent sleep disturbances.

C. Decrease the steroid dose each day.: The prescription states "40 mg PO daily for 5 days." The nurse should instruct the client to take the full dose as prescribed. While steroids are often tapered, the client should not self-taper unless specifically directed by the provider's prescription.

D. Take antibiotic medication with or without food.: Cephalexin can be taken without regard to meals. However, if the medication causes GI upset, taking it with food can help mitigate nausea.

E. Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed to ease breathing.: Oxygen is considered a medication. The client must maintain the prescribed flow rate (3 L/min) and should never adjust it without a provider's order, as excessive oxygen can be harmful to some patients.

F. Ensure the oxygen delivery system is at least 8 feet from any heat source.: Oxygen supports combustion. To prevent fires, tanks and concentrators must be kept away from open flames, space heaters, candles, or gas stoves. Standard safety guidelines usually recommend 5 to 10 feet (8 feet is a safe middle ground).

G. Take antibiotics for 10 days.: The prescription specifically states "every 6 hr for 5 days." Taking medications for longer than prescribed is incorrect instruction.

A. Wheelchair on the left/affected side: In this image, the wheelchair is placed on the client's left side. This is incorrect because the wheelchair should be positioned on the client's unaffected (stronger) side to allow them to pivot and bear weight on their stable leg during the transfer.

B. Wheelchair on the right/unaffected side: This image shows the wheelchair placed on the client's right side. Since the surgery was on the left knee, the right leg is the stronger side. Placing the chair here allows the client to use their stronger limb to safely pivot into the wheelchair, minimizing the risk of falls or injury to the surgical site.