A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety measures with a client who is visually impaired. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

Closing one’s eyes during wound dressing may indicate avoidance or denial, which are not effective coping strategies. It’s important for patients to be aware of their condition and participate in their care to the extent possible.

Choice B rationale

Spending the day staring at the TV may indicate withdrawal or depression, which are not signs of effective coping. Engaging in activities, socializing, and participating in physical therapy or rehabilitation can help improve mood and promote recovery.

Choice C rationale

While it’s normal for patients to want to stay home until they feel better or until they have completed reconstructive surgery, this statement alone does not necessarily indicate effective coping. It’s important for patients to gradually resume normal activities and social interactions as their condition allows.

Choice D rationale

Expressing a desire to see the surgical site indicates acceptance and a willingness to participate in care, which are signs of effective coping. This shows that the patient is taking an active role in their recovery and is not avoiding or denying their condition.

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.