A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice D: Insert an IV saline lock.

Choice D rationale: Inserting an IV saline lock is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a tonic-clonic seizure. This allows for quick access to administer intravenous medications, such as anticonvulsants, in case the client experiences another seizure.

Choice A rationale: Providing a tracheostomy tray at the bedside is not necessary for seizure precautions. While maintaining a patent airway is essential during a seizure, it can typically be managed with proper positioning and suctioning if necessary.

Choice B rationale: Placing the client in a supine position is not recommended for seizure precautions. Instead, the client should be placed in a semi-prone or lateral position to promote drainage of secretions and prevent aspiration.

Choice C rationale: Placing a plastic tongue depressor at the client's bedside is not an appropriate intervention. Attempting to insert an object into the client's mouth during a seizure can cause injury and is not recommended.

In summary, the nurse should include inserting an IV saline lock as part of the plan of care for a client who has experienced a tonic-clonic seizure. This will allow for rapid administration of medications, if necessary, while prioritizing client safety and adhering to seizure precautions.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client directly about the hallucinations is essential in understanding the nature and content of the hallucinations. This information is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's mental state accurately and plan appropriate interventions. Direct communication helps establish trust and rapport with the client, making them more likely to share their experiences.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding eye contact can create a sense of disconnection and may increase the client's anxiety. Establishing eye contact, on the other hand, communicates empathy and attentiveness, which are essential in therapeutic communication.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to lie down in a quiet room might not be the most appropriate action, as it does not address the hallucinations directly. It's important to address the hallucinations and help the client cope with them effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Referring to the hallucinations as if they are real might validate the client's experience but can also perpetuate the hallucinations. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the false beliefs. Providing reality-based perspectives and encouraging the client to explore the origin of these hallucinations can be more beneficial.