The nurse is teaching a client with cancer about skin care for the portal site receiving external beam radiation. Which client action regarding skin care indicates a need for further teaching?

The client has inhaled smoke, which can cause respiratory problemssuch as airway obstruction, bronchospasm, and pulmonary edema. The client also has initial fluid shifts, which can lead to electrolyte imbalancesuch as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis.

Choice A: inhaled smoke - respiratory problems

This is a correct choice. Inhaled smoke can damage the respiratory system by causing inflammation, edema, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Choice B: initial fluid shifts - electrolyte imbalance

This is a correct choice. Initial fluid shifts occur when fluid moves from the intravascular space to the interstitial space due to increased capillary permeability. This can result in electrolyte imbalance such as low sodium, high potassium, and low bicarbonate levels.

Choice C: increased cardiac output - high blood sodium levels

This is an incorrect choice. Increased cardiac output is not a condition that occurs in burn patients. High blood sodium levels are not a common finding in burn patients either. High blood sodium levels can occur due to dehydration or excessive sodium intake.

Choice D: decreased catecholamines - hypometabolism

This is an incorrect choice. Decreased catecholamines are not a finding in burn patients. Catecholamines are hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism in response to stress. Burn patients have increased catecholamines due to pain and tissue injury. Hypometabolism is also not a condition that occurs in burn patients. Hypometabolism is a state of low metabolic rate that can occur due to starvation, hypothyroidism, or hypothermia. Burn patients have increased metabolism due to increased energy demands for wound healing and thermoregulation.

Choice A reason: Applying prescribed lotions to the radiation site is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help moisturize and protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. The client should follow the instructions of the health care provider regarding the type and frequency of lotion application. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice B reason: Washing the radiation site with antibacterial soap and water is a bad action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can cause dryness, inflammation, and infection of the skin. The client should use mild soap and water or saline solution to gently cleanse the area without rubbing or scrubbing. Therefore, this choice indicates a need for further teaching.

Choice C reason: Wearing clothing to cover the radiation site is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help shield the skin from sun exposure and friction. The client should wear loose-fitting, soft, cotton clothing that does not irritate or constrict the area. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice D reason: Drying the area with patting motions after taking a shower is a good action for a client with cancer receiving external beam radiation, because it can help prevent trauma and infection of the skin. The client should avoid rubbing or scratching the area or using hair dryers or heating pads on it. Therefore, this choice does not indicate a need for further teaching.