A client is being discharged postsurgery. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

A. Call the pharmacy to see which medications should be taken indicates a misunderstanding of discharge instructions. The client should already have a clear understanding of their prescribed medications before discharge, including dosage, timing, and purpose. This responsibility lies with the healthcare provider or nurse, not the pharmacy, and the nurse should provide additional clarification.

B. Verify that a follow-up appointment has been scheduled is appropriate and demonstrates that the client understands the importance of follow-up care to monitor recovery and address any complications.

C. Notify the healthcare provider (HCP) if a fever develops is a correct action, as fever may indicate infection, a common postoperative complication that requires prompt attention.

D. Use movement techniques taught by the physical therapists reflects proper understanding of postoperative mobility instructions, which are crucial for preventing complications such as blood clots and for supporting recovery.

A. Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful is not appropriate at this moment. The spouse is expressing grief, and the focus should be on emotional support rather than discussing medical treatment options, which may not be relevant to the spouse’s current emotional state.

B. Offer reassurance that the spouse is not alone may provide some comfort but does not address the underlying need for the spouse to express their emotions. It is more important to listen and allow the spouse to share their feelings first.

C. Encourage the spouse to share their feelings is the most appropriate first response. The spouse is expressing emotional distress, and the nurse should offer a safe space for the spouse to talk about their feelings. This approach helps to validate the spouse’s emotions and provides an opportunity for emotional support.

D. Remind the spouse that the client may still live a long time is not appropriate because it could invalidate the spouse’s feelings of loss and grief. The spouse is dealing with the reality of the terminal illness, and the nurse should not offer false hope or minimize the situation.

D. Remind the spouse that the client may still live a long time is not appropriate because it could invalidate the spouse’s feelings of loss and grief. The spouse is dealing with the reality of the terminal illness, and the nurse should not offer false hope or minimize the situation.