NCLEX: A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort….

Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort. Assessment data include temperature 100.8°F (38.2°C) with rigors and chills. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?

Question

A. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
B. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
C. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
D. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."

Rationale

Correct answer: A. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Hygiene and comfort