A nurse is caring for a client who has a newly created colostomy. The client's partner tells the nurse that the client refuses to look at the stoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Provide a quiet environment for the client: Minimizing noise and stimulation helps reduce stress and prevents spikes in intracranial pressure (ICP). A calm environment is essential for neurologically compromised clients.

B. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe: Coughing can increase thoracic pressure and, consequently, ICP. In clients with elevated ICP, activities that increase intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressure should be avoided to prevent worsening brain injury.

C. Obtain client vital signs every 8 hr: Clients with increased ICP require frequent monitoring, often hourly or every 2–4 hours, to detect changes in neurologic status or signs of Cushing's triad. Every 8 hours is insufficient for early intervention.

D. Maintain the head of the bed at a 30 degree angle: Elevating the head promotes venous outflow from the brain without compromising perfusion. A 30-degree elevation is a commonly recommended position to help control ICP levels.

E. Administer stool softeners to the client: Straining during bowel movements increases intra-abdominal pressure and can elevate ICP. Stool softeners reduce this risk and are a supportive intervention in the management of increased ICP.

Rationale:

A. "I will set a timer for 10 minutes for each timeout session.": Timeout duration should be age-appropriate, generally one minute per year of the child's age. A 10-minute timeout for a toddler would be too long and ineffective for promoting behavioral correction.

B. "My child will learn rules through physical punishment.": Physical punishment is not recommended for children as it may lead to increased aggression, fear, and long-term emotional harm. Positive discipline strategies like timeouts and redirection are more appropriate.

C. "I will remind my child of their misbehavior to reinforce discipline.": Repeated reminders can reinforce negative behavior by drawing excessive attention to it. Discipline should focus on clear, consistent consequences rather than prolonged discussion of misbehavior.

D. "A timeout session should begin once my child is quiet.": Timeout should start after the child calms down to encourage self-regulation. Starting it during a tantrum may reinforce the behavior, while waiting promotes emotional control and helps the child learn to calm themselves.