A nurse is caring for a client who is on bed rest.
The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings is a complication of immobility?

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.

Choice A rationale:

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder being upset about a change in daily routine is concerning but does not present an immediate threat to their physical health or require urgent attention compared to a potential medical emergency like a sore throat.

Choice B rationale:

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. Sore throat could be an early sign of this serious adverse effect. Therefore, a client taking clozapine reporting a sore throat requires immediate evaluation to rule out agranulocytosis, which can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.

Choice C rationale:

A client with narcissistic personality disorder mocking others during group therapy is disruptive and inappropriate behavior but does not require immediate attention unless it escalates into a situation that threatens the safety of others or the therapeutic environment.

Choice D rationale:

A client with depressive disorder requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) needs support and care, but this does not indicate an urgent situation. While assistance with ADLs is important for the client's well-being, it is not a priority over a potential medical emergency like agranulocytosis.