A client with osteoarthritis of the hips and knees has received instructions on how to use a walker for ambulation.
Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates the client understands the instructions?

The correct answers are Choices A, B, C, and D.Choice A rationale:Inspection of lips and mucous membranes is a vital assessment technique for hydration status. Dryness or cracking of the lips and mucous membranes can indicate dehydration, as these areas are often affected by fluid loss. Observing these features helps healthcare providers assess the client's hydration level effectively.Choice B rationale:Pinching the skin on the back of the hand tests skin turgor, which is a reliable indicator of hydration status. If the skin does not return to its normal position quickly after being pinched, it suggests decreased skin elasticity due to dehydration. This method provides a quick visual and tactile assessment of fluid levels in the body.Choice C rationale:Measuring pulse and blood pressure is essential in evaluating hydration status. Changes in blood pressure (especially orthostatic hypotension) and pulse rate can indicate fluid volume changes in the body. An increased heart rate may suggest dehydration, while low blood pressure can indicate significant fluid loss.Choice D rationale:Obtaining the client's daily weight is a crucial method for monitoring hydration status. Weight fluctuations can provide insight into fluid retention or loss over time. A sudden decrease in weight may indicate dehydration, while an increase could suggest fluid overload or retention issues.Choice E rationale:Palpating scalp and hair distribution is not a common or effective method for assessing hydration status. While scalp condition may reflect overall health, it does not provide direct information about hydration levels compared to other methods listed.

Reminiscing about the spouse with significant others. This is an important need for a widowed client during the grieving period following the death of the client’s spouse because it helps them process their loss, express their emotions, and honor their memories. Reminiscing can also provide comfort, support, and meaning to the bereaved.

Choice B. Self-indulgence in order to fill the emptiness left by the spouse’s death is wrong because it can be unhealthy, addictive, or harmful to the client’s well-being. Self-indulgence may also prevent the client from coping with their grief in a constructive way.

Choice C. Reassurance that the client did all that could be expected for their spouse is wrong because it may imply that the client is responsible for their spouse’s death or that they could have prevented it.

This may increase the client’s guilt, regret, or self-blame. Reassurance should focus on the client’s strengths, resilience, and coping skills.

Choice D. Engagement in activities that will take the client’s mind off the loss of the spouse is wrong because it may suggest that the client should avoid or deny their grief.

This may interfere with the healing process and lead to unresolved or complicated grief. Engagement in activities should be balanced with time for reflection, mourning, and self-care.

Normal ranges for grief vary depending on the individual, the relationship, and the circumstances of the death. However, some general guidelines are that grief can last from a few months to several years and that it may involve physical and emotional symptoms such as trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, crying, sadness, anger,