A nurse is planning care for a client who is 6 hr postoperative following a right knee arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

The correct answer is choice b. Write the information at an 8th-grade reading level.

Choice A rationale:

While explaining medical terminology using basic, one-syllable words can help in understanding, it is not always practical or necessary. Medical terms often require more than one syllable to convey accurate information.

Choice B rationale:

Writing the information at an 8th-grade reading level ensures that the brochure is accessible to a broad audience. This readability level is recommended for health education materials to ensure comprehension by the general public.

Choice C rationale:

Presenting information from complex to simple can confuse readers. It is generally more effective to start with simple concepts and gradually introduce more complex information.

Choice D rationale:

Using a 12-point font size is important for readability, but it is not the most critical factor in ensuring the brochure is understandable. The content’s readability level is more crucial.

Choice A reason:

"Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication." This statement is incorrect. If a child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, the parents should not repeat the dose. The reason is that the child may have already absorbed a sufficient amount of the medication before vomiting, and an additional dose could lead to digoxin toxicity.

Choice B reason:

"You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child's favourite juice." This statement is incorrect. Adding digoxin to juice or any other food or drink is not recommended. Digoxin should be administered separately and not mixed with food or liquids to ensure accurate dosing and prevent potential interactions with other substances.

Choice C reason:

"Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication." This statement is correct. Giving a small glass of water after administering digoxin helps ensure that the medication is fully swallowed and goes into the stomach, reducing the risk of it being retained in the mouth or throat.

Choice D reason:

"Limit your child's potassium intake while she is taking this medication." This statement is not accurate. Digoxin is often prescribed in conjunction with other heart failure medications, some of which may impact potassium levels. However, the parents should not arbitrarily limit the child's potassium intake without specific instructions from the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will monitor the child's potassium levels and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.