A nurse is caring for a client who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The client does not need further teaching if they say they will wear braces or splints to support their feet and ankles. Braces or splints are helpful devices for clients who have CMT, which is a hereditary disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and causes muscle weakness, atrophy, and deformity in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Braces or splints can improve mobility, stability, and alignment of the affected limbs.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The client does not need further teaching if they say they will avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. These activities can worsen the symptoms and progression of CMT, as they can cause fatigue, injury, or overuse of the weakened muscles and nerves. The client should engage in moderate exercise and physical therapy that are tailored to their abilities and needs.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. The client needs further teaching if they say they will take vitamin B12 supplements to prevent nerve damage. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves and causes numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the extremities. However, vitamin B12 supplements do not prevent or treat CMT, which is a genetic disorder that affects the structure and function of the peripheral nerves.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The client does not need further teaching if they say they will inspect their feet daily for any injuries or infections. This is an important self-care measure for clients who have CMT, as they may have reduced sensation, circulation, or healing in their feet due to nerve damage. The client should inspect their feet daily and report any abnormalities to their provider.

Choice A reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should inform the client that the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may improve after stopping chemotherapy, as chemotherapy is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Chemotherapy can damage the peripheral nerves and cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the extremities. The symptoms may be reversible or permanent depending on the type, dose, and duration of chemotherapy and the individual's response.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not tell the client that the risk of peripheral neuropathy can be reduced by taking antioxidants, as there is no evidence to support this claim. Antioxidants are substances that protect the cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which may contribute to various diseases and aging. However, antioxidants have not been proven to prevent or treat peripheral neuropathy, and some antioxidants may interact with chemotherapy or other medications.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should inform the client that the treatment of peripheral neuropathy may include medications such as gabapentin or duloxetine, which are commonly used to manage neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that modulates calcium channels and reduces nerve excitability. Duloxetine is an antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and enhances pain inhibition. The nurse should also educate the client about the possible side effects and interactions of these medications.

Choice D reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should inform the client that the prevention of peripheral neuropathy includes avoiding alcohol and smoking, which are common risk factors for peripheral neuropathy. Alcohol and smoking can damage the peripheral nerves and blood vessels, impairing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the extremities. The nurse should advise the client to limit or quit alcohol and smoking and seek help if needed.

Choice E reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should inform the client that the complications of peripheral neuropathy may include falls or injuries, which can affect their safety and quality of life. Peripheral neuropathy can impair sensation, balance, coordination, and reflexes in the extremities, increasing the risk of falls or injuries. The nurse should teach the client strategies to prevent falls or injuries, such as wearing proper footwear, using assistive devices, removing hazards from the environment, and inspecting their feet daily for any wounds or infections.