A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has osteoporosis and is prescribed (Fosamax) alendronate 70 mg PO weekly. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

Choice A reason: Checking the client's blood pressure every 8 hours is important, but it is not as critical as monitoring urine output in the immediate postoperative period. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, but changes in urine output can provide more immediate information about the new kidney's function.

Choice B reason: Monitoring for hypokalemia is important, as it can be a sign of acute rejection; however, hyperkalemia is more commonly associated with acute rejection due to the kidney's inability to excrete potassium. Therefore, while electrolyte monitoring is crucial, the focus is typically on hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia.

Choice C reason: Assessing urine output hourly is essential for a client who has undergone a kidney transplant. Urine output is a direct indicator of the new kidney's function, and any significant decrease could indicate a complication such as acute rejection or obstruction.

Choice D reason: Administering opioids orally for pain management is part of postoperative care, but it is not the priority over monitoring urine output and kidney function.

Choice A reason: Constipation can be a side effect of many cancer treatments, including radiation therapy. However, it is not commonly associated with targeted radiation therapy to the neck. Constipation is more often related to opioid pain medications, decreased physical activity, or dietary changes that a patient may experience during cancer treatment.

Choice B reason: Decreased tear production is not a typical side effect of targeted radiation therapy to the neck. This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, is more commonly associated with radiation therapy that affects the eye or orbital area directly.

Choice C reason: Mouth ulcers, also known as mucositis, are a common adverse effect of radiation therapy to the neck. Radiation can damage the mucosal lining of the mouth, leading to painful sores that can affect a patient's ability to eat, speak, and swallow. These ulcers typically develop one to two weeks after starting treatment and may persist for some time after the treatment ends.

Choice D reason: Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves and often results in symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy to the neck. It is more frequently associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy to areas of the body where peripheral nerves are located.