A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. The client reports a pain level of 3 on a scale from 0 to 10. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management therapies should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Repositioning the NG tube is a later step; checking suction function is first, as equipment failure is a common cause of no drainage. Assuming repositioning is initial risks delaying simple fixes, potentially prolonging discomfort, critical to avoid in ensuring effective gastric decompression.

Choice B reason: Injecting air and aspirating is a troubleshooting step but follows checking suction equipment, which may resolve no drainage. Assuming air injection is first risks unnecessary intervention, potentially causing discomfort, critical to prevent in ensuring efficient NG tube management for gastric decompression.

Choice C reason: Instilling irrigation solution is a later step after confirming suction function, as equipment issues are more common. Assuming irrigation is first risks clogging or discomfort, critical to avoid in ensuring proper NG tube function and effective gastric decompression in clients with non-draining tubes.

Choice D reason: Checking suction equipment function is the first step for a non-draining NG tube, as equipment failure is a common issue, easily corrected. This ensures effective decompression, critical for preventing gastric distention, supporting client comfort, and guiding further troubleshooting in managing NG tube care.

Choice A reason: A semi-sitting position for meals is impractical in a hip spica cast, risking discomfort or aspiration; turning every 2 hours prevents pressure injuries. Assuming semi-sitting is correct risks complications, critical to avoid in ensuring safe positioning and care for children in spica casts.

Choice B reason: Maintaining dependent lower extremities increases edema risk in a hip spica cast; turning every 2 hours promotes circulation. Assuming dependent positioning is correct risks swelling, critical to prevent in ensuring proper cast care and comfort for children with hip spica casts.

Choice C reason: A bedside commode is unsuitable for a hip spica cast, which covers the pelvis; bedpans are used. Turning every 2 hours is key. Assuming a commode is appropriate risks impracticality, critical to avoid in ensuring proper toileting and care in spica cast management.

Choice D reason: Turning every 2 hours prevents pressure ulcers and promotes circulation in a child with a hip spica cast, critical for skin integrity and comfort. This ensures proper cast care, reducing complications, supporting healing, and maintaining safety in pediatric orthopedic management.