The nurse is administering medications to the client and is monitoring potential adverse effects of medications.

For each body system below, click to specify the assessment findings that could indicate a serious adverse reaction. Each body system may support more than 1 potential assessment finding. To deselect a finding click on the finding again.

Body system	Findings
Head. Eyes. Ears. Nose, and Throat (HEENT)	Yellowing of the eyes Blurred vision Dry eyes
Gastrointestinal	Abdominal pain Weight gain
Hematologic	Increased bruising Increased bleeding tendancies Insomnia
Genitourinary	Darkening of the urine Urinary frequency

A) "I should eat a high fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the client is typically advised to avoid high-fat foods for a period of time as the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can trigger discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Therefore, recommending a high-fat diet is not appropriate post-surgery.

B) "I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": Diarrhea is a possible side effect following gallbladder removal, particularly due to the changes in bile flow. However, the client should not expect diarrhea indefinitely. Over time, the digestive system adjusts, and with dietary modifications, diarrhea often resolves. The client should not assume this will persist unless directed by the healthcare provider.

C) "I should expect to have nausea for several days": Nausea is not typically expected to last for several days following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. While mild nausea can occur shortly after surgery, it should subside within a short time. If nausea persists beyond this period, the client should notify their healthcare provider for further evaluation.

D) "I should leave my steri-strips on until they fall off.": Steri-strips are used to help close the incision site and should remain in place until they naturally fall off, which usually occurs within 7–10 days after surgery. This statement indicates that the client understands the proper care for their incision site. It is important not to remove them prematurely to avoid disrupting the healing process.

A) You should avoid exercising for the next 6 weeks:
This statement is not accurate. The client is encouraged to gradually increase activity and participate in physical therapy as prescribed to improve mobility and strength following a total hip arthroplasty. While some rest and limited activity may be necessary immediately after surgery, complete avoidance of exercise for six weeks is generally not advised unless there are complications. Physical therapy exercises are often a key component in the recovery process after hip replacement surgery.

B) You should avoid lying on your right side:
This recommendation is incorrect unless specifically contraindicated due to complications. After a right total hip arthroplasty, the client can typically lie on either side once they are comfortable, unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider. It is important to follow the surgical instructions regarding positioning, especially avoiding positions that might place stress on the new joint

C) You should avoid putting a pillow between your legs when in bed:
This statement is incorrect. After a total hip arthroplasty, placing a pillow between the legs when lying on either side is recommended to maintain proper alignment of the hip joint and prevent dislocation. The pillow helps keep the legs slightly apart, preventing the hip from rotating inward, which can put the new joint at risk for dislocation.

D) You should avoid crossing your legs formonths:
This is correct. Following a total hip arthroplasty, it is essential to avoid crossing the legs, especially for the first several months. Crossing the legs can lead to hip dislocation or improper alignment of the joint. The nurse should reinforce the importance of avoiding crossing the legs both while sitting and lying down to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications such as dislocation of the new hip joint.