A nurse is teaching a client who is in her first trimester of pregnancy about over-the-counter medications that are a pregnancy risk category B. Which of the following medications should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: You sound overwhelmed. Let’s talk about this some more. This response acknowledges the mother’s feelings and opens the door for further discussion. However, it does not directly address her specific concerns about physical activities. While it is empathetic, it lacks the focus needed to explore her worries about her son’s participation in school activities.

Choice B reason: I agree. His well-being is the most important. This response validates the mother’s concern but may inadvertently reinforce her fears without providing a balanced perspective. It does not encourage a discussion about the benefits of physical activity for children with diabetes or how to manage his condition safely during such activities.

Choice C reason: Tell me more about how you are feeling about your son’s activities. This response is the most appropriate as it invites the mother to express her specific concerns and feelings. It shows empathy and a willingness to understand her perspective, which can lead to a more productive conversation about managing her son’s diabetes while allowing him to participate in physical activities.

Choice D reason: You might want to use tutors to home-school him. This response suggests an alternative that may not be necessary or beneficial. Home-schooling might isolate the child and prevent him from enjoying social interactions and physical activities that are important for his overall development. It does not address the mother’s concerns directly and may not be the best solution.

Choice A reason: Discussing the visitation policy is important for the client’s overall hospital experience but does not directly relate to the prevention of postoperative complications. Visitation policies help manage the flow of visitors and ensure the client gets adequate rest, but they do not address specific postoperative risks.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client about the use of a sequential compression device is crucial for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which are common postoperative complications. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) help improve blood circulation in the legs, reducing the risk of blood clots forming during periods of immobility after surgery.

Choice C reason: Teaching the client how to use the PCA pump (patient-controlled analgesia) is important for pain management but does not directly prevent postoperative complications. Proper pain management can aid in recovery by allowing the client to move and breathe more effectively, but it is not a primary preventive measure for complications like DVT or infections.

Choice D reason: Reviewing the pain scale helps the client communicate their pain levels effectively, which is important for managing postoperative pain. However, like the PCA pump, it does not directly prevent complications. Effective pain management can contribute to overall recovery but is not a standalone preventive measure.