A nurse is preparing to apply a thigh-length sequential compression device for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Wear cotton underwear: Cotton underwear allows better air circulation and reduces moisture accumulation, which helps prevent bacterial growth in the genital area. Proper underwear choice is a simple preventive measure that supports urinary tract health.

B. Drink orange juice daily for 3 to 4 weeks: While vitamin C may help acidify urine slightly, there is no evidence supporting long-term consumption specifically for UTI prevention. Excessive intake can also irritate the bladder or cause gastrointestinal upset.

C. Take the prescribed antibiotic until manifestations are gone: Antibiotics should be taken for the full prescribed course, not just until symptoms resolve. Stopping early can lead to incomplete eradication of bacteria and increase the risk of resistance.

D. Restrict fluid intake to 1 L per day: Restricting fluids can worsen UTIs by reducing urine output, which limits bacterial flushing from the urinary tract. Adequate hydration is recommended to help prevent and manage UTIs.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Monitor body temperature: Paliperidone, an antipsychotic, can increase the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. Teaching the client to monitor body temperature helps with early recognition of NMS and timely intervention.

• Report sore throat: Paliperidone can cause hematologic adverse effects, including leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis. A sore throat may be an early sign of infection due to low white blood cell counts. Reinforcing the need to report symptoms like sore throat ensures prompt evaluation and prevents serious complications.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Anticipated increased bruising: Although some antipsychotics may rarely affect platelet function, paliperidone is not commonly associated with increased bruising. This is not a primary teaching point for the client. Monitoring for bruising is less critical than monitoring for signs of infection or NMS.

• Stop taking contraceptive medication: There is no evidence that paliperidone interacts with contraceptives in a way that requires discontinuation. Advising the client to stop contraceptive medication is unnecessary and could place the client at risk for unintended pregnancy.

• Expect weight loss: Paliperidone is more commonly associated with weight gain rather than weight loss. Counseling the client about expecting weight loss would be inaccurate and could mislead them regarding lifestyle and dietary management.

• Follow a low-sodium diet: Paliperidone does not require sodium restriction. Low-sodium diet recommendations are not indicated unless the client has a comorbid condition like hypertension or heart failure. This is unrelated to the medication’s primary safety concerns.