A nurse is at a social event when another guest suddenly coughs weakly once, grasps her throat with her hands, and is unable to speak.
What action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Turning the torso at the waist when reaching for objects can actually increase the risk of back injury. It’s important to keep the back straight and bend at the knees when lifting or reaching for objects.
Choice B rationale

Using ice packs intermittently for 48 hours is a common recommendation for acute lower back pain. Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief. It’s important to use the ice packs intermittently, not continuously, to avoid frostbite.
Choice C rationale
Using 10 lb arm weights to start strengthening the back muscles is not recommended for someone with acute lower back pain. Heavy lifting can exacerbate the pain and potentially cause further injury. It’s better to start with gentle, low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity as the back heals.
Choice D rationale
Staying in bed except for toileting during the first 24 hours is not typically recommended for acute lower back pain. While rest is important, prolonged bed rest can actually lead to muscle stiffness and increased pain. It’s generally recommended to stay as active as possible without exacerbating the pain.

Choice A rationale
Using a humidifier beside the bed at night may not necessarily decrease the number of apneic episodes in a client with obstructive sleep apnea. While a humidifier can help moisten the airways and may provide some relief from symptoms such as dry mouth or throat, it does not address the underlying issue of airway obstruction.
Choice B rationale
Losing weight can indeed help decrease the number of apneic episodes in a client with obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, as excess fat tissue can thicken the wall of the windpipe, making it narrower and making it harder to keep open.
Therefore, losing weight can help reduce this fat and widen the airway, leading to fewer apneic episodes.
Choice C rationale
Taking a sleeping pill at night may actually worsen obstructive sleep apnea. While it might help the client fall asleep, it can also relax the muscles of the throat, which can make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep, leading to more apneic episodes.

Choice D rationale
Drinking a glass of red wine before bedtime is not recommended for a client with obstructive sleep apnea. Alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat and can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, both of which can lead to more apneic episodes.