A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to the client?

A. A family member is napping in the client's room.

This situation, while not ideal, doesn't involve harm or potential harm to a client, staff, or visitor. It may be addressed through communication and policy reminders but may not require an incident report.

B. A client refuses to eat at mealtime.

Client refusal to eat, while concerning, is not an unexpected or unusual event. It is a common aspect of care, and incident reports are not typically used for such situations.

C. A client's bed alarm is malfunctioning.

This situation involves a malfunction in equipment designed to ensure client safety. It has the potential to compromise the safety of the client and may require an incident report to document the issue and address it appropriately.

D. An assistive personnel is late for the upcoming shift.

Lateness may be an issue that needs addressing, but it's not typically considered an incident requiring a formal incident report. This situation may be addressed through workplace policies and communication.

Choice A Reason:

"Opioids will be restricted if your partner develops respiratory distress." This statement might cause unnecessary concern or confusion. While opioid use might be adjusted based on the client's condition and symptoms, framing it in terms of restriction might not be the most appropriate way to communicate about pain management in end-of-life care.

Choice B Reason:

"Encourage your partner to eat three large meals each day." Encouraging large meals might not align with the typical dietary approach for someone in end-of-life care, especially if they have reduced appetite or are unable to eat comfortably. End-of-life care often focuses on providing smaller, more manageable meals based on the individual's preferences and capabilities.

Choice C Reason:

"Assume your partner can hear you, even if they do not respond. “This statement encourages the partner to communicate with their loved one, acknowledging the potential for the person to hear even if they are not responsive. Many studies suggest that hearing may persist even in individuals who are unresponsive or in a comatose state, so speaking to them can provide comfort and connection.

Choice D Reason:

"We will use an electric blanket to keep your partner warm." The use of an electric blanket might not be suitable, as the client's sensitivity to temperature might change in end-of-life care. Other methods, such as blankets or adjusting the room temperature, could be more appropriate to ensure comfort without the risks associated with electric blankets.