A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses on effective techniques for counseling clients about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:
Resuming sexual intercourse in 2 to 3 weeks may not be appropriate for all patients after such a major surgery. The recovery time can vary based on individual factors, including the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. It's essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations, which typically involve waiting until after the postoperative check-up, usually around 6 weeks, to ensure proper healing.

Choice B reason:
Increased vaginal drainage typically occurring 5 days following surgery could be a sign of infection or other complications. Normal postoperative discharge should gradually decrease over time. If a patient experiences increased drainage, especially if it's foul-smelling or accompanied by fever, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Choice C reason:
After a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, patients may experience vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen levels. Using artificial lubricants can help alleviate symptoms of itching and dryness, making this an appropriate instruction for postoperative care.

Choice D reason:
A Papanicolaou (Pap) test is not typically required every 6 months after a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine cancer unless the surgery was performed as treatment for cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer. For those who had the procedure due to benign conditions, further Pap tests are generally not necessary.

Choice A: Monitor the client for hypoglycemia

When a nurse administers an incorrect insulin dose, the immediate concern is the risk of hypoglycemia, especially since the insulin dose given was for a higher blood glucose level than the actual reading. Hypoglycemia can occur when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Monitoring the client for hypoglycemia allows the nurse to detect and treat it promptly, ensuring the client’s safety.

Choice B: Complete an incident report

While completing an incident report is important for documenting the medication error and preventing future occurrences, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the client’s safety by addressing the potential hypoglycemia. Once the client’s condition is stable, the nurse can then complete the incident report.

Choice C: Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate

Administering 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrate is a treatment for hypoglycemia. However, this action should only be taken if the client is actually experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should first monitor the client’s blood glucose levels to confirm hypoglycemia before administering carbohydrates.

Choice D: Notify the nurse manager

Notifying the nurse manager is important for accountability and to ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken. However, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first monitor the client for hypoglycemia and address any immediate health concerns before notifying the nurse manager.