The nurse is teaching a client with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis about home safety. Which statement should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine, which can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or diuretics. Polyuria is not an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Inflammation does not affect the urinary system directly, unless the inflammation is located in the kidneys or bladder.

Choice B reason: Edema is the swelling of tissues due to excess fluid accumulation, which can be caused by various factors, such as heart failure, liver disease, or venous insufficiency. Edema is not an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Inflammation does not cause fluid retention, but rather fluid leakage from the blood vessels into the interstitial spaces.

Choice C reason: Heat is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Heat is caused by the increased blood flow to the inflamed area, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. Heat also helps to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause infection.

Choice D reason: Erythema is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Erythema is the redness of the skin due to the dilation of the blood vessels in the inflamed area, which increases the blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues. Erythema also helps to signal the presence of inflammation and attract immune cells to the site.

Choice E reason: Pain is an expected finding in a client with inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. Pain is caused by the stimulation of the nerve endings by chemical mediators, such as histamine, prostaglandins, and bradykinin, that are released by the inflamed tissues. Pain also helps to alert the client of the injury or infection and to limit the movement or use of the affected area.

Choice A reason: Use gentle brushing and flossing techniques for clients with fragile mucosa is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Gentle brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque, gingivitis, and infection in the oral cavity, especially for clients with fragile mucosa due to dehydration, medication, or radiation. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.

Choice B reason: Handle dentures with care is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Handling dentures with care can prevent damage, loss, or misplacement of the dentures, which can affect the client's comfort, appearance, and nutrition. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.

Choice C reason: Position the client on one side with the head turned towards you is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Positioning the client on one side with the head turned towards you can facilitate the access and visibility of the oral cavity, as well as prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris. However, this intervention is not as effective as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.

Choice D reason: Have a suction apparatus ready at the bedside is the priority nursing intervention, because it can prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris, which can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. Having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside can allow the nurse to quickly and safely remove any secretions or foreign materials from the oral cavity or the airway of the unconscious client.