A school nurse is developing a teaching plan about testicular cancer for a group of clients. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Avoid exposure to deer ticks: West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, not deer ticks. Avoiding ticks is important for preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, but it does not reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

B. Eliminate areas of standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, increasing the risk of West Nile virus transmission. Removing standing water from containers, birdbaths, and gutters reduces mosquito populations and helps prevent the spread of the virus in rural and urban areas.

C. Use a respiratory mask when cleaning bird coops: This is a preventive measure for diseases such as histoplasmosis, which is caused by inhaling fungal spores from bird droppings. It does not protect against West Nile virus, which is spread through mosquito bites rather than airborne transmission.

D. Plan outdoor activities after dusk: Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk. Engaging in outdoor activities during these times increases the risk of being bitten. Instead, individuals should limit outdoor exposure or use protective measures such as insect repellent and long clothing during peak mosquito activity.

A. "If I request a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription, CPR will be withheld from my care.": Understanding that a DNR order means no resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, will be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest is crucial. This reflects the client’s autonomy in making end-of-life decisions and ensures their preferences are respected in critical situations.

B. "Once I choose a health care proxy, they will start making my health care decisions.": While selecting a health care proxy is an important step, they can only make decisions when the client is unable to do so. This means that the proxy’s authority to act is contingent upon the client’s capacity to communicate their wishes.

C. "I am required to complete these documents during my hospital stay.": Clients are encouraged to create advance directives, but there is no legal requirement to complete these documents while in the hospital. Clients have the right to determine the timing and circumstances under which they complete advance directives.

D. "The hospital is legally required to provide me information on these documents.": Hospitals have an obligation to inform clients about advance directives, ensuring they are aware of their rights and the options available for planning their medical care. This legal requirement promotes informed decision-making among clients.

E. "When completed, a copy of these documents will be kept in my medical record.": Storing advance directives in the medical record is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the client’s preferences regarding treatment. This practice helps to facilitate communication and adherence to the client’s wishes during their care.

F. "These documents provide instructions about my care preferences.": Advance directives outline a client’s preferences for medical treatment and interventions, ensuring that their values and wishes guide their care if they become unable to communicate those preferences. This helps healthcare providers understand and respect the client’s desires regarding their treatment.