A nurse is reviewing home care with a client who has multiple sclerosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse recommend to promote client safety?

Choice A reason: Placing the client in semi-Fowler’s position for postoperative assessment is appropriate, promoting lung expansion and reducing aspiration risk. This aligns with standard care, supporting respiratory function and comfort, requiring no further instruction as it reflects safe, evidence-based practice.
Choice B reason: Auscultating lungs without lifting the gown may reduce clarity but is not unsafe. It preserves modesty and is acceptable if effective. While lifting the gown is preferred, this action poses minimal risk, requiring less instruction compared to errors with immediate safety implications.
Choice C reason: Administering an enema without checking for contraindications, like bowel obstruction, risks complications such as perforation. This reflects poor assessment, necessitating instruction to ensure the nurse verifies patient safety and chart details before invasive procedures to prevent harm.
Choice D reason: Checking vital signs before cardiac medication is correct, ensuring safety (e.g., withholding beta-blockers for low heart rate). This follows pharmacological protocols, requiring no instruction, as it demonstrates competence in safe medication administration practices on a medical-surgical unit.

Choice A reason: Changing the stoma pouch 30 minutes after meals is not recommended, as meal timing does not dictate pouch changes. Pouches are typically changed every 3-7 days or if leaking, to prevent skin irritation. This statement reflects a misunderstanding, as it suggests an incorrect schedule unrelated to stoma care needs.
Choice B reason: Cutting the pouch opening 1/8 inch larger than the stoma ensures a snug fit, preventing leakage while protecting peristomal skin from irritation by digestive enzymes. Proper sizing maintains skin integrity and pouch adherence, supporting effective ostomy management. This statement demonstrates correct understanding of stoma care techniques.
Choice C reason: Cleaning the stoma with moisturizing soap is incorrect, as soaps with oils or fragrances can irritate peristomal skin and impair pouch adhesion. Mild, non-residue soap and water are recommended to maintain skin integrity. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of proper stoma cleaning practices.
Choice D reason: Expecting the stoma to be blistered is incorrect, as a healthy stoma should be pink, moist, and free of irritation. Blistering indicates complications like infection or poor pouch fit. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of normal stoma appearance and care, suggesting potential issues requiring intervention.