Question

The home care nurse is visiting a client recovering from an acute inflammation. Which observations indicate that client teaching has been effective?

1) Client uses the knee to close silverware drawer in the kitchen.
2) Client puts weight on right knee while reaching for dishes in cabinet.
3) Client applies ice to the right wrist for 10 minutes.
4) Client has a cup of warm tea while reading the afternoon mail.
5) Client props left ankle on a pillow.

Answer 1

Client teaching has been effective when the client applies ice to affected areas and elevates limbs to reduce inflammation. Activities like putting undue weight on inflamed joints suggest more education is needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The home care nurse is assessing the effectiveness of client teaching for a patient recovering from acute inflammation. The observations that indicate client teaching has been effective are:

• Client applies ice to the right wrist for 10 minutes. - This shows understanding of the need to reduce inflammation and swelling through cryotherapy, which is a standard part of home care after experiencing such conditions.
• Client props left ankle on a pillow. - Elevating the affected area can reduce swelling and improve circulation, which is beneficial for healing inflammatory conditions.

On the other hand, the activities that suggest further client education might be necessary include:

• Client using the knee to close silverware drawer in the kitchen.
• Client putting weight on the right knee while reaching for dishes in cabinet.
• Client has a cup of warm tea while reading the afternoon mail. - This does not directly indicate effective management of an inflammatory condition.

Proper home care after experiencing inflammation involves both reducing swelling and preventing additional strain on the affected areas. Ice application and elevation are in line with these care strategies, while putting unnecessary weight on an inflamed joint is not.