A home health nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with an older adult client who lives alone. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "Maintain your head and neck erect when walking with crutches.": This is incorrect. The focus should be on posture and the use of crutches, not just the head and neck. Maintaining an erect posture is essential, but this option is too narrow and doesn’t provide full guidance on proper crutch use.

B. "Keep your elbows flexed at a 35° angle when using the crutches.": This is correct. The elbows should be slightly bent, approximately at a 30- to 35-degree angle, to ensure proper use of the crutches. This position prevents excessive strain on the shoulders and wrists while providing effective support.

C. "Support your body weight by leaning on the crutches.": This is incorrect. The crutches should not bear the entire weight of the body. Instead, the weight should be distributed through the arms and hands with the crutches supporting some of the load. Leaning on the crutches can lead to nerve damage or further injury.

D. “Wash the tips of your crutches daily.": This is incorrect. While it is important to keep crutches clean, washing the tips daily is unnecessary. It is more important to check the crutches for wear and tear and ensure the rubber tips are intact and provide proper traction.

A. Having the client point his toes before inserting his foot into the stocking is incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to keep the foot in a neutral position to avoid unnecessary pressure on the toes or veins.

B. Removing the stockings once every 24 hr is incorrect. Antiembolic stockings should typically be removed and reapplied at least once per shift to allow for skin assessment and hygiene. They should not remain on for 24 hours continuously.

C. Elevating the client's legs for 5 min prior to applying the stockings is correct. Elevating the legs helps promote venous return by reducing swelling in the lower extremities. This makes the application of antiembolic stockings more effective and more comfortable for the client.

D. Rolling the top of the stocking down so it fits snugly above the client's calf is incorrect. The stockings should be applied smoothly and without folds to avoid restricting circulation. The top should not be rolled down as it can create pressure points