A nurse is providing education to a patient who has been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

A physical therapist focuses on improving a client’s movement, mobility, and function, and relieving pain. They may not specialize in helping clients with difficulties using utensils during meals.

Choice B rationale

A recreational therapist uses a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. However, they may not be the best fit for a client having difficulty using utensils during meals.

Choice C rationale

An occupational therapist specializes in helping people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, and well-being. They can provide strategies and make recommendations for adaptive equipment, such as specially designed utensils, to

help the client with Parkinson’s disease eat more independently. Therefore, referring the client to an occupational therapist would be the most beneficial.

Choice D rationale

A speech therapist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders and swallowing disorders. While they could assist if the client had difficulties with swallowing, they may not be the best fit for a client having difficulty using utensils during meals.

Choice A rationale:

Oxygen saturation is not provided in the exhibits, so there is no data available to evaluate if it indicates improvement in the client’s condition. While oxygen saturation is an important indicator of respiratory function and overall oxygenation status, its absence means it cannot be used to assess the client’s progress in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Hemoglobin levels decreased from 14 g/dL on postoperative day 1 to 10.5 g/dL on postoperative day 2. This decline in hemoglobin levels suggests that the client may be experiencing blood loss or anemia, which is not indicative of improvement. Generally, an improvement in the client’s condition would be reflected in stable or increasing hemoglobin levels rather than a decrease.

Choice C rationale:

Mental status is an important indicator of overall recovery and improvement. On postoperative day 2, the client is described as drowsy but alert to voice. This level of responsiveness indicates an improvement in mental status compared to what might be expected immediately post-surgery. A client who is drowsy but still responsive to verbal stimuli is showing signs of regaining consciousness and cognitive function, which is a positive sign of recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Urinary output is not provided in the exhibits, so there is no data available to assess if it indicates improvement. Urinary output is an important measure of kidney function and fluid status, but without specific data, it cannot be used to determine the client’s progress.

Choice E rationale:

The WBC count increased from 7,000/mm³ on day 1 to 8,500/mm³ on day 2, which is within the normal range and indicates a healthy immune response.