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?

- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.

"How does this make you feel?"

• A. "I'm sure your family does not want you to die." is not a therapeutic response, as it invalidates the client's feelings and imposes the nurse's own assumptions. This choice is incorrect.
• B. Why would you believe such things?" is not a therapeutic response, as it sounds judgmental and confrontational, which can increase the client's defensiveness and resistance. This choice is incorrect.
• C. "How does this make you feel?" is a therapeutic response, as it encourages the client to express and explore their emotions, which can help to build rapport and trust with the nurse. This choice is correct.
• D. "You should talk to your family about your feelings." is not a therapeutic response, as it implies that the client is responsible for resolving their own problems and that their family is willing and able to listen and support them, which may not be true. This choice is incorrect.