A nurse is caring for a client who has left lower-lobe atelectasis. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client for postural drainage?

A. Loosen the client's bed linens:

For support surfaces to be effective, there must be minimal layering in between the device and the person. A single sheet that can be kept dry and crease free is optimal. Loosening linens can help make the client more comfortable by reducing pressure and friction on the skin, but it does not directly address the client's acute pain from a pressure injury.

B. Provide bright lights in the client's room:

Bright lights may not be directly relevant to managing acute pain from a pressure injury. In fact, some clients may prefer a dimly lit environment when experiencing pain. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate for pain management in this case.

C. Massage the client's sacrum:

Massaging the client's sacrum is not recommended when there is a pressure injury, as this could further damage the tissue and exacerbate the injury.

D. Offer to play music in the client's room:

Music therapy is a widely recognized nonpharmacological intervention for pain management. Listening to music can reduce the perception of pain by distracting the client, promoting relaxation, and triggering the release of endorphins. This approach is safe, inexpensive, and can be tailored to the client’s preferences.

A. Eyelashes that curl slightly outward:

This is the correct answer. The direction and curl of eyelashes vary among individuals, but eyelashes that curl slightly outward are a normal and expected finding. This characteristic does not typically indicate any pathology or abnormality.

B. Eyelids that blink involuntarily 30 to 35 times per minute:

The normal range for involuntary blinking is approximately 15 to 20 times per minute. A rate of 30 to 35 blinks per minute may suggest increased nervousness or anxiety and is not within the expected normal range.

C. Corneas with an opaque appearance:

Normal corneas should have a clear and transparent appearance. Opacity of the cornea can be indicative of various eye conditions, such as corneal edema or scarring, and is not an expected finding in a healthy eye.

D. Pupils that are 8 to 9 mm in diameter:

The normal range for pupil size is approximately 2 to 6 mm in diameter. Pupils that are 8 to 9 mm in diameter may indicate abnormal dilation (mydriasis) and can be associated with conditions such as drug toxicity or neurological issues.