A nurse is providing patient education for reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)

A) "Administer IV hydralazine and monitor blood pressure":
. The patient's elevated blood pressure (172/92 mmHg), along with headaches and blurred vision, could indicate a hypertensive emergency, a serious condition where extremely high blood pressure can cause acute organ damage. Hydralazine is a common intravenous antihypertensive medication used to lower blood pressure quickly in these situations. The nurse should administer hydralazine as prescribed and closely monitor the blood pressure to prevent complications like stroke, heart failure, or kidney damage. Blood pressure management is the priority, as the patient's symptoms are likely related to the elevated BP.

B) "Administer oxygen at 10 liters/minute by non-rebreather mask":
. While oxygen therapy may be appropriate for patients with respiratory distress or hypoxia, the patient's SpO2 is 97% on room air, indicating that there is no immediate oxygenation issue. Administering oxygen unnecessarily could lead to oxygen toxicity, and it is not the priority in this case. The patient's main concern is their elevated blood pressure, which requires urgent management.

C) "Administer acetaminophen 650 mg PO re-check temperature":
. While headaches are one of the patient's complaints, there is no indication of fever (the temperature is 98.6°F). Administering acetaminophen would be appropriate for pain relief, but it is not the priority in this case. The elevated blood pressure and potential hypertensive emergency are the primary issues that need to be addressed first.

D) "Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride at 120 mL/hour":
. Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is typically used for hydration, but there is no indication that the patient is dehydrated or that intravenous fluids are the priority. In cases of hypertensive emergency, the goal is to lower blood pressure using antihypertensive medications, not to infuse fluids. Fluid administration could potentially worsen the situation if the elevated blood pressure is not addressed first.

A. "Early ambulation can help keep your lungs expanded and prevent pneumonia":
This statement is correct. Early ambulation is beneficial for respiratory function as it helps to keep the lungs expanded, encouraging deeper breaths and better oxygenation. This can help prevent complications like pneumonia and atelectasis, which are common after surgery due to immobility and anesthesia.

B. "Early ambulation is one part of preventing blood clots from forming in your legs":
This statement is also correct. Early ambulation is an important measure in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are common postoperative complications. Movement and walking promote circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.

C. "Early ambulation usually delays wound healing and increases the risk of wound infection":
This statement is incorrect. Early ambulation does not delay wound healing or increase the risk of infection. In fact, early movement can help improve circulation, which is crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. Gentle movement and ambulation typically have positive effects on wound healing by promoting blood flow to the surgical site. However, patients should avoid excessive strain or stress on the wound to prevent dehiscence or other complications.

D. "Early ambulation can help your bladder and bowels recover from the anesthesia":
This statement is correct. Early ambulation helps stimulate gastrointestinal and urinary systems, which may be sluggish after anesthesia. Walking can encourage the return of normal bowel and bladder function by promoting peristalsis and helping to prevent constipation or urinary retention, both of which can be common after surgery.