A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy of the left breast with axillary lymph node dissection. Which of the following exercises should the nurse instruct the client to start on the first postoperative day?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should maintain the affected leg elevated on several pillows to reduce swelling and promote venous return. Elevating the leg helps minimize edema, which can be beneficial for the healing process and overall comfort of the client.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to wiggle the toes once every 4 hours is not necessary and may cause discomfort to the fractured tibia. Toe wiggling does not provide any significant benefit in this context and could potentially disrupt the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

Using a hair dryer to promote drying of the cast is not recommended. Applying heat to the fiberglass cast may alter its integrity and lead to uneven drying, potentially weakening the cast's support.

Choice D rationale:

Applying heat to the client's cast for pain relief is not advisable. Heat may also weaken the cast material and is unlikely to provide effective pain relief for a fractured tibia. Instead, the nurse should follow the prescribed pain management plan and use appropriate pain medications as ordered by the healthcare provider.

Choice A rationale:

Covering bedside water pitchers after being filled helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection by preventing the entry of airborne pathogens or debris.

Choice B rationale:

Allowing dressings that get wet in the shower to dry out is not an effective infection control strategy. Wet dressings can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and it is important to change wet dressings promptly to minimize the risk of infection.

Choice C rationale:

Used needles should be immediately disposed of in sharps containers, not placed at the nurses' station. Placing used needles in the sharps container promptly helps prevent accidental needlestick injuries and potential transmission of infections.

Choice D rationale:

Drainage bottles should be emptied regularly to prevent overfilling, but they should not be allowed to become full. Regular emptying ensures proper functioning and reduces the risk of spillage or contamination in the client care area.