A nurse is admitting a client who is 1 week postpartum and reports excessive vaginal bleeding. The nurse speaks a different language than the client. The client's partner and 10-year-old child are accompanying her. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to gather the client's admission data?

Rationale:

A. "I will use an interpreter when providing client teaching.": An interpreter is useful for clients with language barriers. Expressive aphasia affects speech production, not comprehension, so an interpreter would not address the main communication challenge.

B. "I will use a communication board to assess the client's needs.": A communication board allows the client to point to words, pictures, or symbols to express thoughts and needs without relying on verbal speech. This is an effective method for facilitating communication with expressive aphasia.

C. "I will provide written instructions for the client in 8-point font.": Written instructions can help if reading skills are intact, but 8-point font is too small for easy readability, especially for clients who may also have vision changes. Larger, clear print is recommended.

D. "I will use indirect lighting in the client's room.": Lighting preferences may improve comfort, but they do not address the core communication difficulty caused by expressive aphasia. This intervention is unrelated to improving the client-nurse communication.

Rationale:

A. Discuss the client's preferences for determining a repositioning schedule: While involving the client in care planning is important, the schedule for repositioning is primarily determined by clinical needs to prevent complications such as pressure injuries, not solely by preference.

B. Evaluate the client's ability to help with repositioning: Assessing the client’s strength, mobility, and coordination after a stroke determines the level of assistance and equipment required. This ensures safety for both the client and the nurse during repositioning.

C. Raise the side rails of the client’s bed during repositioning: Side rails can create entrapment hazards if used incorrectly and should not be relied upon during repositioning. Their purpose is more for safety positioning after the move, not as a primary tool during the maneuver.

D. Reposition the client with the assistive devices: Assistive devices should be used if needed, but this step follows an assessment of the client’s capabilities. Selecting equipment without first evaluating the client may lead to unnecessary interventions.