A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement.
Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the information about keeping mobile phones at least 4 inches away from the pacemaker generator in the educational materials for the client. This is because mobile phones emit electromagnetic signals that could interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker. Maintaining a safe distance helps prevent electromagnetic interference, ensuring the pacemaker functions properly without any disruptions. It's crucial for the client to be aware of this to prevent potential complications and ensure the pacemaker's effectiveness.

Choice B rationale:

Limiting strenuous physical activity for 8 weeks is not a necessary precaution for a client with a new pacemaker unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Patients with pacemakers are often encouraged to resume normal activities after the procedure, with the understanding that they should listen to their bodies and avoid activities that cause discomfort or strain. There is no standard guideline suggesting an 8-week restriction on strenuous physical activity for all patients with new pacemakers.

Choice C rationale:

Checking the pulse rate for 30 seconds at different times throughout the day is a general health practice and not specifically related to the presence of a pacemaker. While monitoring heart rate is essential for overall health, it is not a pacemaker-specific guideline that must be included in the educational materials for a client with a new pacemaker.

Choice D rationale:

Expecting to have intermittent, prolonged hiccups is not relevant information for a client with a new pacemaker. Hiccups are a common physiological phenomenon and are not influenced by the presence of a pacemaker. Including this information in the educational materials would be irrelevant and potentially confusing for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Attaching a prefilled syringe to the catheter inflation hub is a step performed after the catheter insertion to inflate the balloon, securing the catheter in the bladder. This action is not the first step and should not be done before cleansing the meatus and positioning the sterile drape.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the sterile drape leaving the perineum exposed is a necessary step in maintaining the sterility of the procedure area. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Cleaning the client's meatus with an antiseptic solution is the initial step to prevent infection during catheter insertion.

Choice C rationale:

Cleaning the client's meatus with antiseptic solution is the first step in inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. This action helps to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection by minimizing the introduction of bacteria into the urethra.

Choice D rationale:

Lubricating the catheter with water-soluble gel is a step performed after cleansing the meatus and positioning the sterile drape. It facilitates the smooth insertion of the catheter into the urethra. However, it is not the first action to be taken.