The nurse has provided education to a client and their family member about how to change wound dressings. Which client statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

A. "We should look for signs like redness, warmth, and tenderness when changing the dressing.": Monitoring for these signs of infection is appropriate and helps ensure timely intervention. Recognizing changes in wound appearance supports safe home care.

B. "Washing my hands before and after the dressing change is important to prevent infection.": Proper hand hygiene is essential for reducing the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound. This statement reflects correct understanding of infection prevention practices.

C. "I should change my dressing as prescribed, and if it becomes soiled, wet, or displaced.": Following the prescribed schedule and replacing compromised dressings helps maintain wound integrity and promotes healing. This demonstrates accurate knowledge of wound care principles.

D. "If I see any type of wound drainage, I should immediately go to the nearest hospital.": Not all drainage requires emergency care. Normal serous or slightly bloody drainage can occur during healing. Immediate hospital visits should be reserved for signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications.

A. Adjust the walker height so the client's arms are fully extended when holding the handles: The walker should be adjusted so the elbows are slightly flexed (about 20–30 degrees), not fully extended. Full extension can cause poor posture and increased risk of falls.

B. Stand slightly behind and on the affected side of the client when they are using a walker: Positioning yourself slightly behind and on the weaker or affected side allows the nurse to provide support and assist with balance, reducing fall risk during ambulation.

C. Have the client lift the device up and forward. Do not allow them to skid it along the floor: Standard walkers are designed to slide or “roll” along the floor; clients should not lift the walker. Lifting can cause instability and increase fatigue.

D. Instruct the client to move the walker forward and then move their affected side forward: Proper technique for weight-bearing ambulation with a walker involves moving the walker first, then stepping with the affected limb, followed by the unaffected limb. This ensures support and safety.

E. Ensure the client is wearing non-skid footwear before ambulating with the walker: Non-skid footwear improves traction and decreases the risk of slips and falls, which is essential for safe ambulation postoperatively.