A home health nurse is caring for a client who has chemotherapy-induced nausea that has been resistant to relief from pharmacological measures. Which of the following interventions should the nurse initiate? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Using seasonings to enhance the flavor of foods is not an intervention that the nurse should initiate. This may worsen the nausea and vomiting, as some seasonings may be too spicy, salty, or acidic for the client. The nurse should advise the client to avoid foods that are greasy, fried, or have strong odors, and to choose bland, soft, or liquid foods that are easy to digest.

Choice B reason: Providing sips of room temperature ginger ale between meals is an intervention that the nurse should initiate. This can help to settle the stomach and reduce the nausea and vomiting. Ginger has antiemetic properties that can inhibit the serotonin receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. The nurse should also encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Choice C reason: Maintaining the head of the client's bed in an elevated position after eating is an intervention that the nurse should initiate. This can help to prevent the reflux of gastric contents and reduce the nausea and vomiting. The nurse should also instruct the client to eat small, frequent meals, and to avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating.

Choice D reason: Offering 120 ml (4 oz.) of cold 2% milk as a meal replacement is not an intervention that the nurse should initiate. This may worsen the nausea and vomiting, as milk and dairy products may be difficult to digest and may increase the production of mucus. The nurse should suggest other sources of protein and calcium, such as soy milk, yogurt, or cheese.

Choice E reason: Assisting the client in using guided imagery is an intervention that the nurse should initiate. This can help to reduce the nausea and vomiting, as well as the anxiety and stress associated with chemotherapy. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating positive mental images that can distract the client from the unpleasant sensations and feelings. The nurse should help the client to choose an image that is soothing and comforting, and to focus on the sensory details of the image.

Choice A reason: Asking the client if they have been thinking about harming themselves is not the best response, as it may sound accusatory or judgmental. It may also make the client defensive or reluctant to share their feelings. The nurse should assess the client's suicide risk later, after establishing rapport and trust.

Choice B reason: Asking the client how long they have been feeling this way is not the most appropriate response, as it may imply that the nurse is more interested in the duration of the problem than the client's current situation. It may also suggest that the nurse expects the client to have a clear timeline of their feelings, which may not be the case.

Choice C reason: Telling the client to share what is going on with them right now is the best response, as it shows empathy and genuine interest in the client's perspective. It also invites the client to express their thoughts and emotions, and helps the nurse identify the factors that contribute to the client's sense of meaninglessness.

Choice D reason: Asking the client if they really think their life has no purpose is not a helpful response, as it may sound dismissive or sarcastic. It may also make the client feel invalidated or misunderstood, and reinforce their negative beliefs. The nurse should avoid challenging the client's statements, and instead explore the reasons behind them.