A nurse is teaching a client who has gout about appropriate food choices related to dietary needs. Which of the following choices by the client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Checking blood glucose level is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help determine if the client has hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which are both complications of diabetes mellitus that can cause dizziness and weakness. Blood glucose level should be checked using a glucometer and compared with the normal range of 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.

Choice B reason: Giving insulin injection is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take without checking blood glucose level first because it may cause hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL and can cause dizziness, weakness, confusion, sweating, and seizures. Insulin injection should be given according to the prescribed dose, type, and schedule.

Choice C reason: Offering orange juice is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take without checking blood glucose level first because it may cause hyperglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose level rises above 180 mg/dL and can cause dizziness, weakness, thirst, polyuria, and ketoacidosis. Orange juice should be offered only if the client has hypoglycemia and is conscious and able to swallow.

Choice D reason: Applying cold compress is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it does not address the underlying cause of dizziness and weakness in a client who has diabetes mellitus. Cold compress may worsen the symptoms by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. Cold compress should be applied only if the client has fever, inflammation, or pain.

Choice A reason: Applying ice packs for 15 minutes every hour is not an effective intervention for managing edema following knee replacement surgery because it can impair blood circulation and delay healing. Ice packs can also cause frostbite or nerve damage if applied for too long or too frequently. Ice packs should be used only for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery and with a cloth barrier between the skin and the ice.

Choice B reason: Elevating the affected leg above the heart level is an effective intervention for managing edema following knee replacement surgery because it can reduce swelling and pain by facilitating venous return and lymphatic drainage. Elevation can also prevent blood clots and infection by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the wound site.

Choice C reason: Consuming nutrition-dense foods first is not a relevant intervention for managing edema following knee replacement surgery because it does not directly affect fluid balance or wound healing. Nutrition-dense foods are those that provide high amounts of nutrients per serving, such as eggs, cheese, nuts, beans, and meat. Nutrition-dense foods are important for overall health, but not specifically for edema management.

Choice D reason: Wearing compression stockings during the day is not a recommended intervention for managing edema following knee replacement surgery because it can interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Compression stockings can also cause skin irritation, blisters, or ulcers if worn incorrectly or too tightly. Compression stockings should be avoided until the wound is fully healed and only used under medical supervision.