A nurse is caring for a client who is taking potassium chloride supplements daily for hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the supplements are effective?

A) "I should make sure that most of my meals contain fried foods to maintain my calorie count": Fried foods are generally high in fat and can be difficult to digest, particularly for individuals with malabsorption syndrome. They are not recommended as a primary source of calories due to their potential to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

B) "I should change to a gluten-free diet to rest my bowel": A gluten-free diet is beneficial for individuals with celiac disease, but it is not universally required for all inflammatory bowel diseases. The decision to adopt a gluten-free diet should be based on specific medical advice rather than general guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease.

C) "I should try to limit foods containing lactose to prevent bloating and cramping": Limiting lactose-containing foods is a common recommendation for individuals with malabsorption syndrome, especially if lactose intolerance is present. Lactose can exacerbate bloating and cramping, so managing intake can help alleviate these symptoms.

D) "I should eat a high-fiber diet daily to decrease my episodes of flare-ups": High-fiber diets are not always recommended for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, as fiber can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to flare-ups. A low-fiber or modified fiber diet may be more appropriate depending on the individual’s symptoms and disease state.

A) "I have been taking acetaminophen when my knees start to hurt.":
Taking acetaminophen for pain relief indicates that the client is managing the osteoarthritis symptoms appropriately. Acetaminophen is a recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain associated with osteoarthritis and can help improve the client's quality of life by reducing discomfort.

B) "I've been sleeping on my back with a large pillow under my knees.":
Sleeping with a large pillow under the knees can cause the knees to remain in a flexed position for prolonged periods, potentially leading to joint stiffness and worsening pain. This practice is not typically recommended for clients with osteoarthritis as it can exacerbate symptoms.

C) "I have been exercising every day, even when I have pain.":
While regular exercise is beneficial for managing osteoarthritis, it is important to avoid exercising through significant pain. Pain during exercise may indicate overuse or joint damage. Clients should be encouraged to modify their activities to prevent further joint stress and manage symptoms effectively.

D) "I've been changing my lidocaine patches every 18 hours.":
Lidocaine patches are typically designed for 12-hour application periods, followed by a 12-hour off period. Changing the patches every 18 hours may not provide the intended relief and could lead to inconsistent pain management. Proper use of pain management techniques is essential for effective disease management.