A home health nurse is planning care for a client who has Alzheimer's disease.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A rationale:

Spotting is a common finding in placenta previa. It occurs due to the abnormal implantation of the placenta over or near the cervical os, leading to vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can range from mild spotting to severe hemorrhage and is a significant sign of placenta previa.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea is not a specific sign of placenta previa. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during early pregnancy but are not directly related to placenta previa.

Choice C rationale:

A board-like abdomen is a sign of peritonitis or an acute abdomen, which is not associated with placenta previa. This finding suggests intra-abdominal inflammation and is unrelated to the condition in question.

Choice D rationale:

Delayed menses is a common sign of pregnancy, but it does not specifically indicate placenta previa. Placenta previa is characterized by vaginal bleeding, which is not synonymous with a delay in menstrual periods.

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.