A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with advanced COPD who is currently receiving curative treatments but is experiencing increasing symptom burden. The patient and family are considering enrollment in either hospice or palliative care. Which statement best differentiates palliative care from hospice care in this scenario?

A. "Take naproxen for discomfort.": Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen inhibit platelet aggregation and can increase the risk of postoperative hemorrhage after a vascular procedure like a TURP. The nurse should advise the client to avoid medications that can exacerbate bleeding from the prostatic bed. Acetaminophen is generally preferred for mild discomfort in the postoperative period.

B. "Sexual activity is permitted after 2 weeks.": The surgical site in the prostatic urethra requires significant time to heal and re-epithelialize without the stress of sexual activity. Most surgeons recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse for at least 6 to 8 weeks to prevent secondary bleeding or trauma. Providing a 2-week timeframe is premature and increases the risk of complications.

C. "Increase fluid intake if urine becomes blood tinged.": Small amounts of blood or "cherry-colored" urine are common after a TURP, but increasing fluid intake helps flush the bladder to prevent clot formation. Adequate hydration maintains a continuous flow of dilute urine, which prevents the obstructive complications of hematuria. This instruction empowers the client to manage mild postoperative bleeding safely.

D. "Urinary dribbling will resolve within 5 days.": Urinary incontinence or dribbling after a TURP is common due to the removal of prostatic tissue and temporary sphincter weakness. This symptom can persist for several weeks or even months as the surrounding muscles regain their tone. Telling a client it will resolve in 5 days provides an unrealistic expectation for the recovery process.

A. Encourage frequent ambulation.: Clients with acute glomerulonephritis often require bed rest during the acute phase to reduce metabolic waste production and decrease the workload on the kidneys. Excessive physical activity can increase protein breakdown and elevate blood pressure, further straining the inflamed glomeruli. Activity is gradually increased only as the hematuria and hypertension begin to resolve.

B. Place the client on a low-sodium diet.: Glomerulonephritis causes impaired filtration leading to the retention of sodium and water, resulting in edema and hypertension. Restricting dietary sodium intake helps minimize fluid volume excess and reduces the workload on the cardiovascular system. This nutritional intervention is a cornerstone in managing the clinical manifestations of glomerular inflammation.

C. Obtain weekly weight.: In the presence of acute fluid shifts and edema, weekly weights are insufficient for monitoring the client’s status. Daily weights are the most sensitive indicator of fluid retention or the effectiveness of diuretic therapy. Standard nursing care for renal inflammation requires weight measurement at the same time every morning to detect subtle changes.

D. Encourage increased fluid intake.: Due to the reduction in glomerular filtration rate and the risk of circulatory overload, clients are usually placed on a fluid restriction. Adding extra fluid would exacerbate edema, hypertension, and the risk of pulmonary congestion. Fluid intake is typically calculated based on urine output and insensible losses to maintain a precise balance.