A nurse is caring for a client who is dilated to 10 cm and pushing. Which of the following pain-management measures should the nurse identify as a safe option for the client?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Auditory hallucinations: The client reports hearing voices telling them to act (“I'm being told that it's better to end myself...”), which is a clear example of auditory hallucinations. These are a core positive symptom of schizophrenia and often command in nature.
• Echolalia: The client repeating the nurse’s words indicates echolalia, which reflects disorganized thought and speech. It is another classic positive symptom of schizophrenia and demonstrates impaired cognitive filtering.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Magical thinking: Magical thinking involves believing one’s thoughts can cause events in the physical world, such as thinking they can control others with their mind. This is not evident in the client’s current statements.
• Thought deletion: Thought deletion is the belief that external forces are removing thoughts from one’s mind. The client does not express this; instead, they report added stimuli (voices), not missing thoughts.
• Boundary impairment: Boundary impairment involves difficulty recognizing personal space or ownership, such as using others’ belongings inappropriately. This behavior has not been described in the current assessment.

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.