A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a total gastrectomy.
The nurse should instruct the client about which of the following medications?

The correct answer is choice d. Determine any physical signs of injury.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client for permission to take photographs is important for forensic evidence, but it should not be the first action. The nurse must first ensure the client’s immediate physical well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Providing community sexual assault support contacts is crucial for the client’s long-term support and recovery, but it is not the immediate priority in an emergency assessment.

Choice C rationale:

Documenting the client’s verbatim statements is essential for legal and medical records, but it should follow the initial physical assessment to address any urgent medical needs.

Choice D rationale:

Determining any physical signs of injury is the first priority. This ensures that any immediate medical needs are addressed, which is critical for the client’s safety and well-being.

The correct answer is **a. Observe for bruising of the skin.**

Choice A rationale: Observing for bruising of the skin is an appropriate nursing intervention when caring for a client receiving alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or rt-PA), a thrombolytic medication used to dissolve blood clots. Alteplase can increase the risk of bleeding, including bruising, as it works to break down the clot. Closely monitoring the client for any signs of bleeding or bruising is crucial to identify and manage potential complications.

Choice B rationale: Administering medications intramuscularly is not recommended when a client is receiving alteplase. Intramuscular injections can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided, as alteplase can impair the body's ability to form clots and stop bleeding.

Choice C rationale: Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is not the appropriate frequency for a client receiving alteplase. Vital signs should be monitored more frequently, typically every 30 minutes to 1 hour, to closely observe for any changes that may indicate bleeding or other complications.

Choice D rationale: Providing a diet low in protein is not a necessary intervention for a client receiving alteplase. Alteplase works by targeting the blood clot and does not require specific dietary modifications. The focus should be on monitoring for bleeding and managing any potential complications, rather than adjusting the client's diet.