A 68-year-old male patient, who had bilateral total hip arthroplasty two years ago, arrived at the emergency department by ambulance.
He reports that he slipped while putting away groceries at home.
He did not feel dizzy or lightheaded before the fall.
He fell face-forward, hitting his head on the wall and his left shoulder on the floor.
He reports pain mainly in his left shoulder.
As a nurse, what interventions should you plan to reduce further complications?

Choice A rationale

Reassuring the client that the nurse will return after all vital signs are taken might not be the most appropriate action in this situation. The client is critically ill and might need immediate emotional support.

Choice B rationale

Pulling up a chair and sitting beside the client’s bed is the most appropriate action. This action shows empathy and provides emotional support, which is crucial in the care of critically ill patients.

Choice C rationale

Allowing the client to hold the nurse’s hand until the vital signs can be completed might provide some comfort to the client. However, it might not be feasible if the nurse needs to use both hands to complete the vital signs.

Choice D rationale

Telling the client that he must release the nurse’s hand might not be the most appropriate action. It might come across as dismissive and could potentially upset the client.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice D rationale: Keeping the nails trimmed short is crucial for a child with eczema because it minimizes the damage done when the child scratches their skin. Short nails reduce the risk of breaking the skin and causing infections or further irritation, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. This preventive measure helps maintain the skin's integrity and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Choice A rationale: Allowing the child to wear only 100% cotton clothing can help reduce skin irritation as cotton is a soft, breathable fabric. However, it is not as directly related to preventing the harm caused by scratching.

Choice B rationale: Applying baby lotion to the skin can help keep the skin moisturized, but it might not be sufficient for eczema management. A more intensive emollient or specific eczema treatment may be needed.

Choice C rationale: Bathing the child daily with bath oil can help moisturize the skin, but over-bathing can sometimes exacerbate eczema. It's important to use gentle, non-irritating bath products and to follow other guidelines, such as trimming nails.