The nurse observes a client demonstrate self-administration of an 80 mL bolus feeding through a gastrostomy tube (GT). The client pours 40 mL of formula into a feeding syringe and allows the solution to flow in by gravity. When the syringe is completely empty, the client adds an additional 40 mL of the formula, followed by 50 mL of water. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?

A. Decreasing the time intervals between toileting can help prevent accidents by ensuring that the resident has more frequent opportunities to use the bathroom. Encouraging Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) can help strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling urination and may improve incontinence.
B. Using disposable undergarments and changing them frequently can help manage incontinence and protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. However, this intervention primarily addresses the symptoms of incontinence rather than the underlying causes.
C. Limiting fluid intake in the evening can reduce the likelihood of nocturia (nighttime urination) and may help in managing urinary incontinence. However, reducing fluid intake can also lead to dehydration and other health issues.
D. Offering emotional support and reassurance is important for the resident’s mental well-being and can help reduce anxiety related to incontinence. Understanding that urinary incontinence is common among older adults can be comforting, but this approach alone does not address the practical management of the condition or contribute to improving urinary control.

A. CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation or infection. Measuring the CRP level can help confirm the presence of an inflammatory process, such as infection, and monitor the severity of inflammation. However, while useful, CRP alone might not provide the complete picture needed for specific wound management.
B. Culturing the wound for sensitive organisms is crucial when an infection is suspected. This test will identify the specific bacteria or other pathogens causing the infection and determine their sensitivity to various antibiotics. This information is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment to address the infection effectively.
C. Serum albumin levels provide information about the client’s nutritional status and can reflect protein malnutrition. Low serum albumin levels can indicate poor wound healing due to inadequate protein levels, which affects tissue repair. While serum albumin is important for understanding overall nutritional status, it does not directly diagnose or confirm infection.
D. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in diabetic patients, as high blood glucose can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections. However, blood glucose levels are more related to the client's ability to heal rather than directly identifying or managing an infection.