A nurse is teaching about preventing constipation to a client who has a new prescription for oxycodone. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Asking if the client informed her provider about family disagreement shifts focus from addressing her emotional needs to a procedural question. It does not facilitate therapeutic communication or explore the client’s feelings about her family’s opposition. This response fails to support the client’s autonomy or address the psychological impact of her decision, making it less effective in this context.
Choice B reason: Restating the client’s concern about family disagreement uses reflective listening, a therapeutic technique that validates her feelings and encourages further discussion. This approach fosters trust, helps the client process her emotions, and supports her autonomy in deciding on the mastectomy, aligning with patient-centered care principles for addressing sensitive decisions.
Choice C reason: Stating that the nurse would make the same decision introduces personal bias, which is inappropriate in therapeutic communication. It shifts focus from the client’s needs to the nurse’s perspective, potentially undermining the client’s autonomy. This response does not address the family’s opposition or support the client’s decision-making process, making it ineffective.
Choice D reason: Suggesting the client needs family agreement before signing consent undermines her autonomy as a competent adult. Informed consent requires only the client’s understanding and agreement, not family approval. This response dismisses the client’s decision-making capacity and fails to address her emotional concerns about family opposition, making it inappropriate.

Choice A reason: Applying testosterone gel to the genital region is contraindicated, as it increases irritation and absorption variability. It should be applied to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen to ensure safety and efficacy, making this action incorrect and unsafe.
Choice B reason: Checking testosterone levels in 1 week is premature, as steady-state levels typically require 2-4 weeks to stabilize. Monitoring too early may yield inaccurate results, leading to improper dose adjustments. This timing is not standard, making it an incorrect instruction.
Choice C reason: Advising the client to wait 1 hour before showering or swimming ensures adequate absorption of testosterone gel through the skin. Premature water exposure can wash off the gel, reducing efficacy. This aligns with manufacturer guidelines, making it the correct action.
Choice D reason: Applying testosterone gel every other day is incorrect, as daily application maintains consistent hormone levels for hypogonadism treatment. Alternate-day dosing disrupts therapeutic levels, reducing effectiveness. Daily use is standard, making this instruction inappropriate for proper administration.