A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is placed in wrist restraints. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?

Rationale:

• Contact the provider for an antibiotic prescription: Contacting the provider ensures the client receives prompt intervention for a likely surgical site infection. The wound is inflamed and draining yellow pus, and the client has a fever and leukocytosis. Early treatment can prevent the progression to severe sepsis.

• Increase the volume on the television: Increasing the volume on the television can heighten sensory overload and worsen the client’s confusion. Delirium management involves reducing noise and visual stimuli, not adding to it. This approach does not promote orientation or calmness.

• Ask the client's partner to leave the room: Asking the client's partner to leave may remove a critical source of comfort and familiarity. Familiar people help reorient clients with delirium or confusion. Their presence often reduces agitation and promotes emotional security.

• Dim the lights: Dimming the lights reduces environmental overstimulation that may worsen delirium. The client is experiencing hallucinations and disorientation, which are often intensified in bright ICU settings. A calm setting supports cognitive clarity and comfort.

• Assist with elimination: Assisting with elimination is appropriate if the client shows signs of distress or discomfort. However, this need is not emergent compared to infection and altered mental status. Treating the underlying cause of delirium should take precedence.

• Place the client in 4-point restraints: Placing the client in 4-point restraints is a last resort when other safety measures fail. Restraints can escalate agitation and lead to injury or trauma. Delirium should be managed first with environmental and medical interventions.

Rationale:

A. A nursing colleague discussing a client's treatment plan with another nurse on the unit as part of the end-of-shift handoff report: This is an appropriate and necessary exchange of client information for continuity of care. It supports safe, effective handoff communication between nurses involved in the client’s treatment.

B. A nursing colleague discussing a client's diagnosis with another staff member on the unit who is not involved in the client's care: This violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by sharing protected health information with someone not directly involved in the client’s care, regardless of location or setting.

C. A nursing colleague documenting vitals in the electronic medical record (EMR) of a client that the colleague is caring for: This is an expected and proper part of nursing responsibilities. Accurate and timely documentation in the EMR is essential for effective communication and patient safety.

D. A nursing colleague printing material that does not obtain identifiable information from a client's electronic medical record (EMR) for professional use: If no identifiable health information is included, printing such materials for professional reference or education is acceptable and does not violate confidentiality rules.