A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a newly inserted permanent pacemaker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Dispose of the client's feces and urine in a special container.

Choice A rationale:

This is the correct choice. Brachytherapy involves the placement of a radiation source in or near the tumor. To minimize radiation exposure to others, the client's bodily fluids (feces and urine) should be considered radioactive and disposed of properly in a designated container.

Choice B rationale:

While limiting the time of visitors can be a good measure to reduce radiation exposure, it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is proper handling and disposal of radioactive bodily fluids.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the client's linens in the room until after removal of the radiation source is not the correct choice. Radioactive linens should be handled and laundered separately, following appropriate safety protocols.

Choice D rationale:

Providing one dosimeter badge for staff to share while caring for the client is not adequate. Each staff member involved in direct care should have their dosimeter badge to monitor their individual radiation exposure levels.

Choice A rationale:

A decrease in NG tube drainage indicates that the client's stomach contents are not being aspirated excessively, which suggests that the IV fluids are effectively maintaining fluid volume balance. This finding is positive because it shows that the client is retaining the fluids they need, and it may also indicate improved gastrointestinal function and decreased risk of dehydration.

Choice B rationale:

The potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) is low. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can result from various factors and may cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other complications. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.

Choice C rationale:

An increased heart rate may suggest that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit or other physiological stress. It is not a finding that indicates the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.

Choice D rationale:

A hematocrit level of 46% is within the normal range for adult males (typically around 38.8% to 50%) and indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While it can provide information about blood viscosity and hydration status, it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of fluid volume balance therapy.