A nurse is teaching a client to manage stress by using progressive relaxation techniques. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

During bladder irrigation, the nurse should instill a specific volume of the prescribed irrigation solution into the bladder to facilitate the removal of clots, mucus, or other debris from the urinary catheter and bladder. The recommended volume to instill is usually 400 to 500 mL, which helps to effectively flush out the bladder without overdistending it.

Choice B rationale:

Clamping the drainage tubing distal to the injection port during bladder irrigation is incorrect. The drainage tubing should remain unclamped to allow the irrigation solution to flow into the bladder and facilitate the removal of debris. Clamping the tubing would prevent the solution from entering the bladder and hinder the irrigation process.

Choice C rationale:

Using a syringe with a 19-gauge needle is not relevant to the process of bladder irrigation. Bladder irrigation is typically performed using a specific irrigation kit that includes appropriate tubing and components, not a syringe and needle.

Choice D rationale:

Withdrawing the irrigation solution into the syringe is not a standard procedure during bladder irrigation. The purpose of bladder irrigation is to instill a specific volume of solution into the bladder and then allow it to drain out, flushing the bladder in the process. Drawing the solution back into a syringe after instillation would disrupt the intended irrigation process.

Choice A rationale:

Performing oral care once each day is not sufficient to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Ventilated patients are at an increased risk of developing VAP due to the presence of an endotracheal tube that bypasses the body's natural defenses. Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Therefore, performing oral care only once a day is inadequate for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing VAP.

Choice B rationale:

Brushing the client's teeth with a firm-bristle toothbrush can cause trauma to the oral tissues, potentially leading to bleeding and irritation. In critically ill patients with an endotracheal tube, using a firm-bristle toothbrush can exacerbate the risk of infection and VAP. It is essential to use gentle and non-traumatic methods for oral care to maintain the integrity of the oral mucosa.

Choice C rationale:

Swabbing the client's mouth with chlorhexidine solution is the correct choice. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution that effectively reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Regular use of chlorhexidine mouthwash has been shown to decrease the risk of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, the risk of aspiration and subsequent pneumonia is lowered, making it a crucial intervention for preventing VAP.

Choice D rationale:

Raising the head of the bed by 15° for oral care is an important measure to prevent aspiration during oral care. However, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of VAP. While proper head positioning helps prevent the entry of oral secretions into the lower respiratory tract, it must be combined with effective oral hygiene practices, such as using chlorhexidine solution, to comprehensively reduce the risk of VAP.