In teaching a client with thrombocytopenia, which instruction should the nurse include?

For a client with thrombocytopenia, it is vital to minimize the risk of bleeding due to low platelet levels. The recommendation to lubricate lips with a water-soluble ointment is significant because it serves to prevent cracking and subsequent bleeding that could occur from dry lips, which is a common concern in individuals who may have limited platelet counts. This simple measure helps maintain lip integrity and reduces the susceptibility to abrasions or bleeding, thus aligning with safety precautions necessary for someone dealing with this condition.

Other options, such as using a hard toothbrush, blowing the nose forcefully, and limiting fruit consumption, do not promote safety and care relevant to someone with thrombocytopenia. Using a hard toothbrush can cause gum bleeding, forceful nose blowing can lead to nasal bleeding, and while some fruits need to be consumed with caution due to their vitamin K content, limiting overall fruit consumption isn't a general instruction that would be beneficial for the patient’s overall diet or management of their condition.