A nurse is caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis and requires postural drainage.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

, dizziness.

Dizziness is a manifestation of hypovolemia, which is a decrease in blood volume due to fluid loss.

Hypovolemia can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Choice A, epistaxis, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a possible cause of it. Epistaxis is a nosebleed that can result from trauma, infection, dryness, or coagulation disorders.

Choice B, headache, is wrong because it is not a specific sign of hypovolemia, but rather a nonspecific symptom that can have many causes. Headache can be associated with dehydration, but it can also be caused by stress, infection, inflammation, or other factors.

Choice D, shortness of breath, is wrong because it is not a sign of hypovolemia, but rather a sign of fluid volume excess.

Fluid volume excess is an increase in blood volume due to fluid retention or overload. Fluid volume excess can cause dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg for adults.

Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.

The correct answer is Choice d. Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed.

Choice A rationale:

• Moving both crutches with the stronger leg forward first is incorrect for a three-point gait.This describes a two-point gait,which is used when a client can bear weight on both legs.In a three-point gait,the client bears weight on the unaffected leg and the crutches,not the stronger leg.
• This action would put excessive weight on the affected leg and could potentially compromise healing or cause further injury.

Choice B rationale:

• Supporting his body weight while leaning on the axillary crutch pads is also incorrect.This can lead to nerve damage in the armpits and should be avoided.
• The weight should be distributed through the hands and wrists,not the armpits.

Choice C rationale:

• Stepping with his affected leg first when going up stairs is incorrect and potentially dangerous.The client should lead with the stronger leg when going up stairs to maintain balance and control.

Choice D rationale:

• Positioning both hands on the grips with his elbows slightly flexed is the correct action for using crutches with a three-point gait.This allows for proper weight distribution,balance,and control of the crutches.
• It also helps to prevent fatigue and strain in the arms and shoulders.

Key points to remember about the three-point gait:

• Weight is borne on the unaffected leg and the crutches,not the affected leg.
• The crutches and the unaffected leg move forward together,followed by the affected leg.
• The client should look ahead,not down at their feet.
• The client should take small,even steps.
• The client should rest as needed.