A nurse caring for a client who requires isolation has just finished a care procedure. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) should the nurse remove last?

Choice A reason: Restlessness can be a sign of discomfort or pain, especially in a postoperative client. It may manifest as constant shifting or an inability to remain still, indicating that the client is trying to find a position that alleviates the pain.

Choice B reason: Clenching, such as tightly gripping the handrails of the bed or making fists, can indicate that the client is trying to manage pain or discomfort through tension in the muscles.

Choice C reason: Grimacing, or making a pained facial expression, is a clear nonverbal cue of pain. It often involves furrowing the brow, closing the eyes tightly, or contorting the mouth.

Choice D reason: Drowsiness is not typically a direct indicator of pain. It may be related to medication effects, fatigue, or the body's response to healing post-surgery. However, it does not specifically signal pain.

Choice E reason: Moaning, groaning, or making other vocal sounds can be a response to pain, particularly in clients who are unable to articulate their pain verbally due to sedation or other factors.

Choice A reason: This response demonstrates empathy and active listening. It acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment and opens the door for further discussion about their concerns. It is a therapeutic communication technique that helps build rapport and trust between the nurse and the client. When a client feels understood, it can reduce their anxiety and promote a sense of safety, which may improve their ability to sleep and concentrate.

Choice B reason: While it is important for clients to communicate with their healthcare providers, this response might make the client feel dismissed or that their immediate concerns are not being addressed by the nurse. It could be perceived as deflecting the responsibility to someone else, rather than the nurse providing support at that moment.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to self-reflect on the reasons for their anxiety could be helpful, but it might also be overwhelming for them if they are already in a heightened state of anxiety. This question should be asked with caution and at an appropriate time when the client is more likely to engage in productive self-reflection.

Choice D reason: This statement minimizes the client's experience by suggesting that their problem is common and insignificant. It fails to acknowledge the severity of the client's distress and does not offer any comfort or assistance. It is not a therapeutic response because it does not validate the client's feelings or encourage further communication.