A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start taking enteric-coated naproxen for rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following client statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

a. Position the client on the nonoperative side: The client should be positioned on the operative side to facilitate expansion of the remaining lung.

b. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr: Postoperative respiratory status should be monitored more frequently than every 8 hours to assess for complications, especially in the initial

postoperative period.

c. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle: The head of the bed should be elevated to a higher angle (usually 30-45 degrees) to promote optimal lung expansion and reduce the risk of

complications such as atelectasis.

d. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing: Encouraging the client to splint the incision when coughing helps minimize pain and supports effective coughing to prevent

complications such as atelectasis.

Rationale for A: Taking enteric-coated pills with meals is generally acceptable as food does not affect the integrity of the enteric coating. The coating is designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestine.
Rationale for B: Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed as this destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach lining from the medication's potentially irritating effects, ensuring the medication is released in the intestine.
Rationale for C: This statement is correct; enteric-coated medications are formulated to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestine, which can help minimize gastric side effects and irritation.
Rationale for D: It is common for anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen to take several weeks to reach full efficacy. This statement reflects a correct understanding of the medication's expected onset of action.