A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who just started receiving a blood transfusion 5 min ago. Which of the following findings should be reported first to the provider?

A. Repeat each exercise 10 times: Performing passive range of motion exercises 3 to 5 times per joint is usually enough to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. Repeating the exercises excessively may cause muscle fatigue or irritation, especially in immobile clients. The goal is to promote mobility without causing discomfort or harm.

B. Increase flexion during a muscle spasm: Forcing movement during a muscle spasm can increase pain and potentially cause injury to muscles or joints. The nurse should gently stop the exercise when a spasm occurs and allow the muscle to relax before continuing. Careful, slow movements help prevent exacerbation of muscle spasms.

C. Support each extremity above and below the joint: Supporting the extremity above and below the joint stabilizes the joint and surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of injury during passive movement. This technique also helps control the movement and minimizes discomfort for the client. Proper support is essential for safe and effective passive range of motion exercises.

D. Move the joint just past the point of resistance: Moving a joint beyond the point of resistance can cause tissue damage, pain, and joint injury. The nurse should stop movement at the point of resistance or the onset of discomfort, never forcing further motion. Respecting this limit preserves joint integrity and client safety.

A. Locks the wheelchair after transferring the client: Locking the wheelchair should occur before the transfer to prevent it from rolling during the movement. Locking it after transferring compromises client safety and increases the risk of falls or injury.

B. Places the bed in a high position before transferring the client to the wheelchair: The bed should be placed in the lowest safe position to allow the client’s feet to touch the floor and to ease the transition to a lower surface like a wheelchair. A high bed position creates an unsafe height differential.

C. Uses a narrow stance when assisting the client to the wheelchair: A wide stance provides a stronger, more stable base of support, which is essential for safe body mechanics during a transfer. A narrow stance can lead to imbalance and injury to the AP or client.

D. Positions the wheelchair parallel to the client's bed: Positioning the wheelchair parallel or at a slight angle to the bed allows for easier and safer transfers. This minimizes turning and supports a smoother pivot, reducing strain on both the client and caregiver.