A nurse is assessing a client's coping skills. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an internal stressor?

The correct answer is C.

Choice A reason: Walking on the client’s right side is incorrect because the nurse should walk on the client’s left side. This is the weaker side and the side where support is most needed.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to look down at their feet when ambulating is incorrect because the client should be instructed to look straight ahead, not down at their feet, to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Choice C reason: Have the client sit on the side of the bed for at least 60 seconds before ambulating. This allows the nurse to assess the client’s tolerance and readiness for ambulation, and it helps prevent dizziness or fainting due to orthostatic hypotension.

Choice D reason: Placing the gait belt securely around the client’s lower chest is incorrect because the gait belt should be placed around the client’s waist, not the lower chest. This provides a secure grip for the nurse and allows for safer ambulation.

Choice A rationale:

Using a 5-mL syringe to flush the catheter is not the best choice. Central venous access devices typically require a larger syringe for flushing to prevent excessive pressure and potential damage to the catheter. A smaller syringe like the 5-mL syringe can create higher pressure, which could cause complications.

Choice B rationale:

Changing the site dressing and stabilization device every 24 hours is not the recommended practice. The dressing and stabilization device should be changed according to facility policy and as needed, but a rigid 24-hour schedule is not necessary and might increase the risk of infection due to unnecessary exposure.

Choice C rationale:

Expecting blood to appear in the catheter lumen after flushing is incorrect. Blood in the catheter lumen after flushing could indicate complications such as a dislodged catheter or other issues requiring immediate attention. The catheter should ideally remain patent without the presence of blood.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct choice. Using chlorhexidine solution to clean the catheter is an evidence-based practice to prevent infection at the insertion site. Chlorhexidine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and helps reduce the risk of catheter-related infections.