A client who is obese reports severe pain and is unable to bear weight in the right ankle after making dietary changes 3 weeks ago for weight loss. The client's medical history indudes hypertension, gouty arthritis, and cholecystitis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. This instruction is particularly relevant for a client with gouty arthritis. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints and cause severe pain and inflammation. Red meat and certain seafood are high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels and exacerbate gout symptoms. B. This instruction might not be suitable for someone with hypertension, as many salt substitutes contain potassium. For a person with high blood pressure, excessive potassium can be harmful, especially if they are on certain medications or have kidney issues. C. This advice may not be appropriate given the client's current inability to bear weight due to severe ankle pain. Limiting mobility equipment could lead to further physical complications. The focus should be on managing pain and inflammation to improve mobility rather than restricting the use of equipment. D. While wrapping joints with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling, it should be done with caution. Over-wrapping can lead to decreased circulation or additional pain. In cases of severe pain and swelling, other treatments such as rest, elevation, and ice may be more appropriate.