A patient who is obese reports severe pain and is unable to bear weight on the right ankle after making dietary changes 3 weeks ago for weight loss.
The patient’s medical history includes hypertension, gouty arthritis, and cholecystitis.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Choice A rationale

Decreased range of motion is generally associated with a rotator cuff injury. This is because the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. When these muscles or tendons are injured, it can limit the shoulder’s range of motion.

Choice B rationale

Pain with movement can be a symptom of both a rotator cuff injury and a humeral fracture. Both conditions involve structures that are integral to the movement of the arm, and damage to these structures can cause pain when they are moved or put under strain.

Choice C rationale

Reduced strength in the left upper extremity is more commonly associated with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for the stability of the shoulder joint and enables the arm to lift and rotate. An injury to the rotator cuff can therefore lead to a reduction in the strength of the arm.

Choice D rationale

Reduced pulse distal to the injury is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This is because a fracture to the humerus could potentially damage the blood vessels running along the bone, leading to a reduced pulse further down the arm.

Choice E rationale

Coolness of the skin is more commonly associated with a humeral fracture. This could be due to damage to the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and therefore a lower skin temperature.

Choice A rationale

While substituting natural fruit juices for carbonated drinks can be a healthy dietary change, it is not directly related to the patient’s reported symptoms of severe pain and inability to bear weight on the right ankle.

Choice B rationale

Avoiding the consumption of wine, beer, and coffee can have various health benefits, but it is not directly related to the patient’s current symptoms. Furthermore, there is no indication in the patient’s history that these beverages are contributing to the patient’s condition.

Choice C rationale

Using an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst can provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Additionally, heat therapy is not typically recommended for acute gout attacks, which could be a potential cause of the patient’s symptoms given their history of gouty arthritis.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging active range of motion can help to limit stiffness and improve joint function, which could potentially alleviate the patient’s pain and improve their ability to bear weight on the right ankle. This advice is relevant to the patient’s symptoms and medical history.