The nurse is providing medication education for a client with osteoarthritis. What teaching should the nurse include in the education?

Choice A reason: Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and dangerous. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is a test that involves applying and releasing pressure on the abdomen, which can elicit pain or discomfort in the presence of peritonitis or appendicitis. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Deeply palpating the area for rebound tenderness can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.

Choice B reason: Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and useless. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is a test that involves tapping on the chest or abdomen, which can produce different sounds depending on the density of the underlying organs or tissues. Percussing over the area for a change in tone is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Percussing over the area for a change in tone can also worsen the pain, damage the tissues, or dislodge the clot, which can cause pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.

Choice C reason: Comparing the circumference to the left calf is the nurse's next action, because it is appropriate and useful. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is a test that involves measuring the size of the leg, which can reveal any swelling or edema in the affected area. Comparing the circumference to the left calf is relevant and useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Comparing the circumference to the left calf can also help diagnose, monitor, or treat the condition, as a difference of more than 2 cm between the legs can suggest a DVT.

Choice D reason: Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not the nurse's next action, because it is inappropriate and delayed. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is an intervention that involves giving the client a painkiller and checking the response after an hour. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes is not relevant or useful for the client's complaint of pain and burning in the right calf area, which may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Medicating the client for pain and reassessing in 60 minutes can also mask the symptoms, delay the diagnosis, or miss the opportunity to prevent the complications, such as pulmonary embolism, which is a lifethreatening condition.

Choice A reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure to keep cool." is not a correct answer, because it can worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in reduced blood flow and color changes. Keeping cool can trigger or aggravate the spasms and decrease the blood flow.

Choice B reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you wear sunscreen." is not a correct answer, because it is not related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Sunscreen is a protective measure for clients with lupus, who may have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and increased risk of skin damage and flareups. However, sunscreen does not prevent or treat Raynaud's phenomenon, which is caused by cold or stress, not by sun exposure.

Choice C reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you wear gloves in winter." is a correct answer, because it can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Wearing gloves in winter can keep the hands warm and prevent the blood vessels from narrowing and spasming due to cold. This can improve the blood flow and prevent color changes, numbness, pain, or ulcers in the fingers.

Choice D reason: "In order to avoid flareups of Raynaud's, ensure you brush your teeth for two minutes." is not a correct answer, because it is not related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Brushing the teeth for two minutes is a good oral hygiene practice that can prevent dental problems, such as plaque, cavities, or gingivitis. However, brushing the teeth does not affect the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, nor does it prevent or treat Raynaud's phenomenon.