A nurse is reviewing medication prescriptions for a group of clients. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with the provider?

A. Health department data and statistics reports: Local or state health departments routinely collect and publish epidemiological data, including incidence and prevalence rates of communicable diseases like tuberculosis. These reports provide reliable, up-to-date statistics that are essential for planning and evaluating public health programs.

B. Expert opinion from local health care providers: Expert opinion can provide insights into trends or clinical observations, but it is anecdotal and not sufficient for calculating incidence rates. Public health planning requires data that is systematically collected and analyzed.

C. Browsing an internet search engine: While internet searches may yield general information, the results may not be accurate, up-to-date, or specific to the local population. Official health department sources are more reliable for incidence data.

D. Clinical guidelines from a professional organization: Clinical guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management, but they do not usually include local incidence statistics. They are not a primary source for epidemiological data.

A. "I will complete my arm exercises four times a day.": Performing arm and shoulder exercises after a modified radical mastectomy helps maintain range of motion, prevent stiffness, and reduce the risk of lymphedema. Regular exercises multiple times a day reflect proper understanding of postoperative rehabilitation.

B. “I will have my drains removed 1 hour prior to going home.": Drain removal is based on the volume of drainage and physician assessment, not a set time before discharge. Premature removal can increase the risk of fluid accumulation and infection.

C. “I can begin to drive 24 hours after surgery.": Driving is usually not recommended until the client has regained adequate strength, range of motion, and is off strong pain medications, typically several days postoperatively. Doing so within 24 hours can be unsafe.

D. "I can shower within 48 hours of my surgery.": Showering is usually delayed until drains are in place and the incision is sufficiently healed, often following specific surgeon instructions. Showering too early can disrupt wound healing and increase infection risk.