A nurse on a postpartum unit is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client who had an episiotomy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• request a prescription for an increase in statin medication: Although the client's total cholesterol is elevated at 230 mg/dL, adjusting lipid management is not the immediate priority during an acute chest pain episode. The immediate focus should be stabilizing airway, breathing, and circulation.
• prepare the client for cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization may ultimately be needed to assess coronary artery blockages, but before this, the client must be stabilized with oxygen and medications to control chest pain and improve oxygenation.
• administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: The client’s oxygen saturation dropped to 92% on room air, which is low for someone experiencing chest pain and possible myocardial ischemia. Administering supplemental oxygen improves myocardial oxygen supply and reduces cardiac workload, addressing airway and breathing priorities.
• check a STAT cardiac troponin: The client’s initial troponin level was normal, but troponin can take several hours to rise after myocardial injury. While monitoring serial troponins is important, managing oxygenation and chest pain relief takes precedence right now.
• administer sublingual nitroglycerin: After ensuring oxygenation, sublingual nitroglycerin should be administered to relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. It helps reduce ischemia and may prevent further cardiac injury.
• request a prescription for a beta-blocker: Beta-blockers help control heart rate and blood pressure but are not the immediate first-line response for active chest pain and oxygen desaturation. Oxygen and nitroglycerin must be prioritized first to address the acute ischemic event.

A. Suggest the client exercise before going to bed: While exercise is beneficial for depression, vigorous activity before bedtime can interfere with sleep. It is generally better to recommend exercise earlier in the day to promote better rest and regulate mood.

B. Offer the client low-protein snacks throughout the day: Clients with major depressive disorder may experience changes in appetite, but offering low-protein snacks is not a specific therapeutic intervention. Balanced meals and snacks are more appropriate to support overall nutrition.

C. Encourage the client to use positive self-talk: Positive self-talk can help challenge and change negative thought patterns that are common in major depressive disorder. Encouraging cognitive restructuring strategies like positive affirmations supports emotional healing and coping.

D. Recommend the client spend time alone in his room: Isolation can worsen depressive symptoms by increasing feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Encouraging social interaction and structured activities is more helpful in managing depression.