A nurse is assisting with the development of an education program for a group of older adults.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client supine with legs elevated is not an appropriate intervention for a client with ascites due to cirrhosis. It may help with other conditions, but in ascites, it can increase pressure on the abdomen and worsen fluid accumulation.

Choice C rationale:

Restricting the client's sodium intake to 3g per day is a valid intervention for a client with ascites due to cirrhosis. However, measuring the abdominal girth daily is a more immediate and actionable intervention to monitor the progression of ascites and adjust treatment accordingly.

Choice D rationale:

Keeping the client's daily protein intake below 0.8 g/kg is not the standard practice for managing ascites in cirrhosis. In fact, adequate protein intake is important to prevent malnutrition in these clients, so protein restriction is not recommended unless specifically indicated by a healthcare provider.

A. Elevates the legs before applying the stockings: This is a correct action. Elevating the client's legs before applying elastic antiembolic stockings can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. It's an appropriate step to prepare the client for the stockings.

B. Measures the client's calf circumference before selecting the stocking size: This is a correct action. Proper sizing of elastic antiembolic stockings is crucial to ensure they are effective and do not cause discomfort or complications. Measuring the client's calf circumference helps in selecting the right size.

C. Applies lotion to the client's legs before putting on the stockings: This is an incorrect action. Applying lotion to the legs before putting on stockings can make the stockings less effective and may cause them to slide down. Lotions or creams can create a barrier that interferes with the compression provided by the stockings.

D. Rolls down the stockings from the thigh to the ankle: This is an incorrect action. Elastic antiembolic stockings should be applied carefully, starting at the ankle and rolling them up to the thigh. Rolling them down from the thigh to the ankle is not the correct technique, as it can impede blood flow and be uncomfortable for the client.

So, the correct answers are A and B. These actions indicate that the AP is performing the skill correctly by preparing the client appropriately and ensuring proper sizing of the stockings.