A nurse is teaching an adult client who has been recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Using fingers to remove loose tissue is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take when providing hydrotherapy for a burn wound. This action can cause further trauma to the wound and increase the risk of infection.

Choice B rationale:

Opening small blisters to expose air is contraindicated in burn wound management. The blister roof provides a natural barrier against infection, and puncturing them increases the risk of infection and delays the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer is to wash the burn with a mild soap. Cleaning the burn wound with mild soap and water helps remove debris and minimize the risk of infection without causing additional damage.

Choice D rationale:

Applying wet-to-dry dressings is an outdated and inappropriate practice for burn wound care. Wet-to-dry dressings can be painful, disrupt wound healing, and increase the risk of infection. Modern burn wound care focuses on maintaining a moist environment to support optimal healing.

Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to place cellular phones on the ear opposite the side of the pacemaker to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference. Although the risk of interference is low with modern pacemakers, it is still a precautionary measure. Placing the phone on the ear opposite the pacemaker reduces the likelihood of any potential electromagnetic interaction.
Choice B rationale:
The instruction in choice B, "Avoid showering for the first 2 weeks following surgery,”. is not appropriate. There is no need for the client to avoid showering after pacemaker insertion. In fact, maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent infection at the incision site. The client can take a shower, but they should avoid soaking the incision area and patting it dry afterward.
Choice C rationale:
The instruction in choice C, "Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week following insertion,”. is not the best option. The recommended timeframe to avoid heavy lifting after a pacemaker insertion is usually around 4 to 6 weeks. This duration allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads or causing damage.
Choice D rationale:
The instruction in choice D, "Stand at least 2 feet away while using a microwave,”. is not directly related to pacemaker care. While it is generally recommended to maintain a safe distance from microwaves during use, this instruction is not specific to clients with pacemakers.