A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage liver disease and is undergoing a paracentesis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure?

“I will eat small, frequent meals.”.

This statement indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching because eating small, frequent meals can help reduce the workload of the pancreas and prevent pain and nausea.

“I will eat fish for dinner at least twice per week.” This statement does not indicate an understanding of the discharge teaching because fish is a high-fat food that can aggravate pancreatitis. The client should eat a low-fat diet with no more than 30 grams of fat per day.

“I will limit my morning coffee to no more than two cups.” This statement does not indicate an understanding of the discharge teaching because coffee is a caffeinated beverage that can stimulate the pancreas and worsen inflammation. The client should avoid caffeine and alcohol.

D. “I should expect my bowel movements to be pale in color”. This statement does not indicate an understanding of the discharge teaching because pale stools can be a sign of bile duct obstruction or pancreatic insufficiency, which are complications of pancreatitis. The client should notify the provider if they notice any changes in their stool color or consistency.

E. “I will notify my provider if my urine is dark.” This statement does not indicate an understanding of the discharge teaching because dark urine can be a sign of dehydration or jaundice, which are also complications of pancreatitis. The client should drink plenty of fluids and monitor their skin and eyes for yellowing.

The correct answer is b. “I can visit my nephew who has chickenpox 5 days after the sores have crusted.”

Choice A rationale:

• Statement:“I should take antibiotics when I have a virus.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Antibiotics are medications that fight bacteria,not viruses.Taking antibiotics when you have a virus will not help you get better and can actually lead to antibiotic resistance.

Choice B rationale:

• Statement:“I can visit my nephew who has chickenpox 5 days after the sores have crusted.”
• Rationale:This statement is correct.Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.However,a person with chickenpox is no longer contagious once all of the sores have crusted over.This typically happens about 5 days after the rash first appears.

Choice C rationale:

• Statement:“I should wash my hands for 10 seconds with hot water after working in the garden.”
• Rationale:This statement is partially correct.Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infection.However,the water does not need to be hot.Warm or cold water is just as effective.It is also important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds,not 10 seconds.

Choice D rationale:

• Statement:“I can clean my cat’s litter box during my pregnancy.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Cat feces can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii,which can cause a serious infection called toxoplasmosis.Toxoplasmosis can be harmful to a developing baby.It is best to avoid cleaning cat litter boxes during pregnancy.If you must clean the litter box,wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.