After years of struggling with weight management, a middle-age man is evaluated for gastroplasty.

He has experienced difficulty with managing his diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but he is approved for surgery.

Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

The correct answer is choicec. Administer prescribed stool softener.

Choice A rationale:

Administering prescribed PRN sleep medications can help the client rest, but it is not the highest priority. Managing pain and preventing complications from the laceration are more critical.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the use of prescribed analgesic perineal sprays can help manage pain and promote healing, but it is not as crucial as preventing constipation, which can cause significant discomfort and complications.

Choice C rationale:

Administering prescribed stool softeners is the highest priority because a fourth-degree laceration involves the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa.Preventing constipation is essential to avoid straining during bowel movements, which can cause pain and disrupt the healing process.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging breastfeeding to promote uterine involution is important for postpartum recovery, but it is not directly related to the care of a fourth-degree laceration. Managing pain and preventing complications from the laceration take precedence.

Choice A rationale:

Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning. This choice is not appropriate for suctioning excessive drooling in a client with ALS. Instilling normal saline would introduce additional fluid into the oral cavity, potentially worsening the problem by increasing the amount of secretions. The goal of suctioning is to remove excess saliva and maintain a clear airway.

Choice B rationale:

Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed. Instructing the client to cough during suctioning is not a recommended practice. It may cause discomfort and can lead to an increased risk of aspiration as the client might inhale while coughing during the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the suction catheter is a common practice to facilitate the passage of the catheter and minimize irritation to the client's oral tissues. While it is a helpful step, it is not the primary action that should be taken to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure. This is the correct choice. When suctioning a client's oral cavity, especially when dealing with excessive drooling or secretions, it is essential for the nurse to wear protective goggles. These goggles protect the nurse's eyes from potential exposure to the client's bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection transmission.