A nurse is assessing the coping strategies of a client who has recently retired.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the client is using compensation as a defense mechanism?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Eating a meal prior to postural drainage is not recommended.Postural drainage uses gravity to help clear mucus from the lungs, and having a full stomach can cause discomfort and potentially lead to vomiting1.

Choice B rationale: Pancrelipase is a medication that replaces digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas.Most people with cystic fibrosis benefit from taking pancrelipase to aid their digestion2. However, it is not specifically required prior to postural drainage.

Choice C rationale: Using an albuterol inhaler prior to postural drainage is beneficial.Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways, making it easier to clear mucus from the lungs34. This is why it’s recommended to use prior to postural drainage.

Choice D rationale: While maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health, it is not specifically required prior to postural drainage

The correct answer is choice D: Insert an IV saline lock.

Choice D rationale: Inserting an IV saline lock is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a tonic-clonic seizure. This allows for quick access to administer intravenous medications, such as anticonvulsants, in case the client experiences another seizure.

Choice A rationale: Providing a tracheostomy tray at the bedside is not necessary for seizure precautions. While maintaining a patent airway is essential during a seizure, it can typically be managed with proper positioning and suctioning if necessary.

Choice B rationale: Placing the client in a supine position is not recommended for seizure precautions. Instead, the client should be placed in a semi-prone or lateral position to promote drainage of secretions and prevent aspiration.

Choice C rationale: Placing a plastic tongue depressor at the client's bedside is not an appropriate intervention. Attempting to insert an object into the client's mouth during a seizure can cause injury and is not recommended.

In summary, the nurse should include inserting an IV saline lock as part of the plan of care for a client who has experienced a tonic-clonic seizure. This will allow for rapid administration of medications, if necessary, while prioritizing client safety and adhering to seizure precautions.