Question

the nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who had a thoracotomy. which activity - related instruction is most important to include? perform shoulder exercises five times daily. limit walking to 5 minutes per day for 2 weeks. avoid all strenuous activity for 6 months. avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 1 week.

Explanation:

After a thoracotomy, strenuous activity can strain the surgical site and impede healing. Avoiding all strenuous activity for 6 months is a key instruction to prevent complications like increased pain, wound dehiscence, or respiratory issues. Shoulder exercises (5x daily) might be part of recovery but not the most important activity - related instruction. Limiting walking to 5 minutes daily for 2 weeks is too restrictive and not standard; gradual activity increase is better. Avoiding lifting >5 pounds for 1 week is too short - term, and lifting restrictions are usually longer and more specific, but the main priority is avoiding strenuous activity long - term to protect the thoracic area.

Answer:

C. Avoid all strenuous activity for 6 months.