A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer and has a sealed radiation implant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Applying testosterone gel to the genital region is contraindicated, as it increases irritation and absorption variability. It should be applied to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen to ensure safety and efficacy, making this action incorrect and unsafe.
Choice B reason: Checking testosterone levels in 1 week is premature, as steady-state levels typically require 2-4 weeks to stabilize. Monitoring too early may yield inaccurate results, leading to improper dose adjustments. This timing is not standard, making it an incorrect instruction.
Choice C reason: Advising the client to wait 1 hour before showering or swimming ensures adequate absorption of testosterone gel through the skin. Premature water exposure can wash off the gel, reducing efficacy. This aligns with manufacturer guidelines, making it the correct action.
Choice D reason: Applying testosterone gel every other day is incorrect, as daily application maintains consistent hormone levels for hypogonadism treatment. Alternate-day dosing disrupts therapeutic levels, reducing effectiveness. Daily use is standard, making this instruction inappropriate for proper administration.

Choice A reason: A 10-year budget is impractical for cost containment, as healthcare costs fluctuate due to economic and technological changes. Long-term budgets lack flexibility for staffing or equipment needs, making them ineffective for ensuring cost-effective care delivery in dynamic healthcare environments.
Choice B reason: Hiring travel nurses increases costs due to high salaries and agency fees compared to permanent staff. While addressing short-term shortages, it does not promote long-term savings, as temporary labor is expensive, contrasting with strategies like workforce planning for cost containment.
Choice C reason: Reducing training programs may lower short-term costs but risks errors and lawsuits, increasing long-term expenses. Well-trained staff improve efficiency and outcomes, reducing readmissions. Training is critical for cost containment, as it enhances care quality in healthcare settings.
Choice D reason: Electronic health records (EHRs) reduce long-term costs by streamlining documentation and improving care coordination. EHRs enhance billing accuracy and reduce errors, offsetting initial costs with decreased administrative burdens and better patient outcomes, aligning with evidence-based cost containment strategies in healthcare.