A nurse is assisting with the admission of an older adult client to an acute care facility. The client states that they are afraid to go to sleep, fearing they will not wake up. Which of the following is a therapeutic response the nurse should make?

The correct answer is choice B: "Support the client's feet with foot boots."

Choice A rationale:

Flexing the client's feet using pillows might not be sufficient to prevent foot drop. Foot drop is a condition where the client is unable to dorsiflex their foot, and using pillows alone may not provide adequate support to prevent this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Supporting the client's feet with foot boots is the most appropriate intervention to prevent foot drop due to immobility. Foot boots are specifically designed to hold the foot in a dorsiflexed position, preventing the calf muscles from tightening and causing foot drop.

Choice C rationale:

Placing a hand roll under the client's heels might offer some relief, but it's not the most effective intervention for preventing foot drop. Hand rolls are generally used to prevent footdrop by keeping the ankles in a neutral position, rather than solely supporting the heels.

Choice D rationale:

Removing ankle-foot orthotic devices at bedtime is not recommended if the client is at risk for developing foot drop. Ankle-foot orthotic devices are designed to provide continuous support to the feet and prevent muscle contractures. Removing them at bedtime could compromise the effectiveness of the intervention.

Choice A rationale:

The correct answer. A piston syringe is used for wound irrigation to deliver a controlled and directed flow of fluid to clean the wound. It helps remove debris and promote healing. This choice aligns with wound irrigation best practices.

Choice B rationale:

Barrier ointment is not typically used for wound irrigation. Its purpose is to protect intact skin from moisture, friction, and other irritants, rather than to clean wounds.

Choice C rationale:

Chilled irrigation solution is not commonly used for wound irrigation. Room temperature or warm sterile saline is usually recommended for wound cleansing as cold solutions can cause discomfort and vasoconstriction.

Choice D rationale:

Sterile cotton balls are not used for wound irrigation. They may leave fibers in the wound, potentially leading to infection. Wound irrigation is usually performed using sterile syringes, solutions, and appropriate irrigation devices.