A nurse is teaching a client who has left-sided weakness how to use a quad cane. Which of the following client actions indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A: Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide

Rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for clients with mucositis. Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh and may cause further irritation to the already sensitive mucosal lining. It is generally advised to use mild rinses such as saline or baking soda solutions.

Choice B: Brush your teeth for 60 seconds twice daily

While brushing is important, it should be done gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and the timing should be based on patient tolerance rather than a strict 60-second rule.

Choice C: Floss your teeth gently following each meal

Gentle flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. However, if bleeding occurs, the patient should stop and consult a healthcare provider.

Choice D: Wear your dentures only during meals

Wearing dentures only during meals might be advisable for some clients with mucositis, as wearing them all day could irritate the inflamed oral tissues. However, it’s important for the dentures to fit properly and for the client to have periods of rest without the dentures to allow the oral tissues to heal.

Choice A reason: A client with diabetes mellitus presenting with acute ketoacidosis does not necessarily require a private room unless there are other infection control concerns. Acute ketoacidosis is a metabolic complication of diabetes that can be managed in a general ward setting with appropriate medical care and monitoring.

Choice B reason: An older adult client admitted with aspiration pneumonia would benefit from a private room if the pneumonia is caused by an infectious agent that requires droplet or airborne precautions. However, aspiration pneumonia is often a result of inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs, and not always infectious.

Choice C reason: A client with a compound fracture of the right femur would require a private room if there is an associated risk of infection due to the open nature of the injury. However, standard precautions and wound care can often be managed in a semi-private or general ward setting unless there are specific infection control issues.

Choice D reason: A client reporting fever, night sweats, and cough for 2 days may be exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease such as tuberculosis. This client would require a private room with airborne precautions to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers.