A nurse is caring for a 30-month-old child. Which of the following activities should the nurse expect the child to participate in?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Prescribed medication: The client is taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that can cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and increased nighttime urination. These side effects increase the risk for falls, especially in older adults who may already have mobility limitations.
• Blood pressure readings: The client’s blood pressure dropped from sitting 138/84 mm Hg to standing 100/70 mm Hg, indicating orthostatic hypotension. This sudden decrease in blood pressure can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, all of which increase the likelihood of falls.
• Voiding pattern: The client reports waking 2–3 times per night to void. Nocturia increases fall risk because the client must get up in low-light conditions, potentially while drowsy, making them more susceptible to tripping or losing balance.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Gait: The client’s gait is steady, and no abnormalities were noted during assessment. While gait disturbances can increase fall risk, in this case, the client’s mobility does not currently contribute to risk.
• Reports of home environment: The client has already removed throw rugs and increased lighting, implementing effective fall prevention strategies at home. Therefore, the home environment does not currently place the client at increased risk for falls.

A. Assess the client’s breath sounds: Auscultation helps determine how well interventions like albuterol and oxygen are working. Detecting changes such as worsening wheezes, crackles, or diminished sounds ensures early recognition of complications. This is vital given the client’s chronic smoking history and respiratory distress.

B. Restrict the client’s fluid intake: Adequate hydration thins mucus, making it easier to clear. Unless there is heart or kidney failure, fluids should be encouraged. Restricting intake could worsen secretion retention and impair gas exchange.

C. Perform chest percussion and vibration: These techniques loosen mucus and promote clearance in clients with COPD or chronic bronchitis. Because the client has a productive cough and abnormal lung sounds, this intervention supports better airway patency. It also works well alongside bronchodilators for improved breathing.

D. Increase oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min: In clients with chronic CO₂ retention, too much oxygen can suppress respiratory drive. The current prescription of 2 L/min should be maintained unless the provider reassesses and orders changes based on ABGs.

E. Instruct the client to perform diaphragmatic breathing: This method enhances airflow to the lower lungs, reduces accessory muscle use, and improves oxygen exchange. For a COPD client, it helps conserve energy and improve ventilation. Combined with pursed-lip breathing, it strengthens respiratory efficiency.

F. Place the client in a supine position: Lying flat limits lung expansion and can worsen dyspnea in clients with lung disease. An upright or high-Fowler’s position promotes maximal ventilation and better oxygenation.