A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client diagnosed with osteoarthritis who reports joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Which of the following client statements indicates understanding of the teaching?

Answer: (C) The client is not grimacing

Rationale:

A) The client's blood pressure has been reduced:

While morphine can lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a reduction in blood pressure is not necessarily a primary indicator of a therapeutic response to pain relief. It is more important to assess pain relief directly through the client's subjective experience and behavior rather than focusing on vital signs alone.

B) The client exhibits diaphoresis:

Diaphoresis, or sweating, can occur as a side effect of morphine administration but does not indicate that the medication is effectively relieving pain. In fact, diaphoresis might signal an adverse reaction or discomfort rather than a therapeutic effect.

C) The client is not grimacing:

The absence of grimacing suggests that the client's pain has decreased, which is a direct indicator of a therapeutic response to morphine. Observing a reduction in pain-related behaviors, such as grimacing, is a key assessment for determining the effectiveness of pain management in postoperative clients.

D) The client has an elevated heart rate:

An elevated heart rate may be a sign of unresolved pain or a side effect of morphine but is not a clear indicator of pain relief. Effective pain management with morphine typically results in a decrease in sympathetic nervous system responses, such as a high heart rate, rather than an increase.

d. Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.

Explanation:

The correct answer is d. Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.

For a client with bulimia nervosa, it is important to closely monitor their behavior after meals to prevent purging behaviors and ensure their safety. Observing the client for 1 hour after meals allows the nurse to provide support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and intervene if necessary to prevent purging episodes.

Option a, administering bupropion 1 hour before meals, is not an appropriate intervention for bulimia nervosa. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that may be used for certain mood disorders, but it is not the primary treatment for bulimia nervosa.

Option b, allowing the client access to food throughout the day, is not a recommended intervention for a client with bulimia nervosa. Clients with bulimia nervosa often struggle with impulse control and binge eating behaviors. Allowing unrestricted access to food may exacerbate their symptoms and increase the risk of binge-purge cycles.

Option c, weighing the client once weekly, is not the most appropriate intervention for managing bulimia nervosa. While weight monitoring may be a component of treatment, it should not be the sole focus. The treatment for bulimia nervosa involves addressing the underlying psychological and behavioral factors contributing to the disorder.

By recommending the observation of the client for 1 hour after meals, the nurse can provide necessary support, monitor the client for potential purging behaviors, and promote a safe and therapeutic environment for their recovery from bulimia nervosa.