A nurse is assisting with teaching a client about consuming a healthy diet to reduce stress. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason : Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common side effect of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used to treat insomnia among other conditions. It occurs because diphenhydramine has anticholinergic properties, which means it inhibits the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This inhibition can reduce saliva production, leading to a feeling of dryness in the mouth.

Choice B reason : Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a typical side effect of diphenhydramine. While some medications, particularly decongestants, can raise blood pressure, diphenhydramine does not usually have this effect. However, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using it.

Choice C reason : Memory loss is not commonly listed as a side effect of diphenhydramine. However, because it can cause drowsiness and has sedative effects, it may lead to temporary forgetfulness or confusion, especially in older adults or when taken in higher doses.

Choice D reason : 'Medications' is not an adverse reaction but rather a general term for drugs used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness. In the context of diphenhydramine, it would be more appropriate to discuss specific side effects or adverse reactions related to its use.

Choice A reason : The term "alert" is an objective finding in the nursing assessment. It refers to the client's level of consciousness and responsiveness to stimuli, which can be directly observed and measured by the nurse during the evaluation. Being alert is a state that is evident through the client's behavior, responses, and interactions.

Choice B reason : "Pacing" is an objective finding. It is a visible behavior that can be observed and documented by the nurse without the need for interpretation or reliance on what the client says. Pacing can be quantified by the number of times the client walks back and forth in a given period.

Choice C reason : "Anxiety" is a subjective finding because it is based on the client's personal feelings and cannot be directly observed or measured by the nurse. It is reported by the client and requires the nurse to rely on the client's expression of their emotional state.

Choice D reason : "Restless" is an objective finding. Restlessness can be observed as physical movements, such as the inability to stay still, fidgeting, or frequent changes in position. These are behaviors that the nurse can see and document.