A nurse is providing preoperative teaching about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to a client. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Use a 3 mL syringe to flush the catheter: Small syringes (3 mL) create high pressure that can damage the lumen of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Larger syringes, typically 10 mL or greater, are recommended to safely flush and maintain catheter integrity.

B. Cleanse the port with povidone-iodine prior to obtaining the specimen: Current guidelines recommend using an alcohol-based antiseptic (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol) rather than povidone-iodine for cleaning catheter hubs due to faster action and reduced contamination risk.

C. Flush with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride after obtaining the blood sample: While flushing is required, the volume depends on the protocol and whether blood was drawn for lab testing. Immediate flushing with 10 mL is often sufficient; 20 mL may be excessive unless the protocol specifies.

D. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver during the blood draw: Performing the Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and reduces the risk of air embolism when accessing a central line. This is a recommended safety measure during blood draws from PICC lines.

Rationale:

• Encourage the client to avoid napping during the day: A manic client has a severely diminished drive for sleep and is at risk for physical exhaustion. Any opportunity for rest or sleep, even a brief nap, should be encouraged to protect the client's physiological health.

• Minimize environmental stimuli for the client: Manic clients are highly distractible and easily overstimulated. Reducing noise, dimming lights, and providing a private room helps decrease the "manic energy" and promotes safety and calm.

• Provide the client with high-calorie fluids every hr: The client has not eaten for an extended period and exhibits poor recall of the last meal, indicating risk of malnutrition. High-calorie fluids are an appropriate intervention to ensure adequate caloric intake and hydration, thus supporting metabolic needs during the maniac episodes.

• Weigh the client each day: Daily weight monitoring helps track nutritional status and detect early signs of fluid imbalance or rapid weight loss, which can occur in clients with poor intake or hyperactivity during mania. It also assists in evaluating effectiveness of nutritional interventions. This practice provides objective data to guide care planning and assess health risks associated with inadequate intake.