A client with paranoia is admitted to the mental health unit and immediately goes to the corner of the room and sits quietly without communicating. In approaching the client, what intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement first?

The client's complaint of a leg cramp suggests the possibility of a muscle cramp or spasm, which is a common occurrence during labor. Extending the leg and flexing the foot helps stretch and relax the affected muscle, which can alleviate the cramp. This intervention helps relieve the muscle spasm and promotes increased blood circulation to the area, potentially reducing the intensity and duration of the cramp.
A. Elevating the leg above the heart is not necessary for relieving a leg cramp. It may be helpful in certain situations, such as in the case of venous insufficiency or swelling, but it is not the First-line intervention for a leg cramp.

B. Massaging the calf and foot can be beneficial in relieving a leg cramp. However, the initial action should be to extend the leg and flex the foot to actively stretch the affected muscle. If the cramp persists or if additional comfort measures are needed, then the PN may consider massaging the calf and foot.
D. Checking the pedal pulse in the affected leg is not directly related to relieving a leg cramp. It may be a relevant assessment in certain situations, such as suspected circulatory compromise or deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the primary intervention for a leg cramp.

The practical nurse (PN) should observe minimal time, maximum distance, and protective shielding when administering direct care to a client who has four gold seed implants on a chest wall tumor.
Minimal time refers to limiting the duration of direct exposure to the client with the gold seed implants. This helps minimize the nurse's exposure to radiation.
Maximum distance refers to maintaining a safe distance from the client with the gold seed implants. The nurse should try to stay as far away as possible while still being able to provide necessary care.
Protective shielding involves using lead aprons, gloves, and other appropriate shielding materials to protect oneself from radiation exposure. These protective measures help reduce the nurse's exposure to radiation during care activities.
B. Rotating assignments with other staff during the shift may not be necessary in this situation unless there are specific staffing requirements or guidelines in place. The primary focus should be on minimizing the nurse's exposure to radiation through time, distance, and shielding.
C. Virtual observation and wearing a film badge for exposure are not applicable in this context. These measures are more relevant for monitoring radiation exposure over time and do not directly address the precautions needed during direct care.
D. Standard precautions with negative pressure isolation are not specifically indicated for a client with gold seed implants. Negative pressure isolation is typically used for clients with infectious diseases that require airborne precautions, and it is not directly related to radiation precautions.