A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is preparing to walk for the first time in several days.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client to prevent orthostatic hypotension?

The correct answer is choice C. “Dangle your legs over the side of the bed.” This helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down.

Dangling the legs over the side of the bed allows blood to flow back to the heart and increases blood pressure before standing up.

Choice A is wrong because “Perform regular isometric exercises.” Isometric exercises are muscle contractions without movement, such as squeezing a ball or clenching a fist.

These exercises do not help with orthostatic hypotension because they do not improve blood circulation or blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because “Increase your intake of protein.” Protein intake does not affect orthostatic hypotension directly.

However, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent or manage the condition by maintaining blood volume and blood pressure.

Choice D is wrong because “Use your incentive spirometer.” An incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve lung function after surgery by encouraging deep breathing.

It does not prevent orthostatic hypotension because it does not affect blood pressure or blood flow.

The correct answer is choice B. Palliative care is a type of care that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness.

It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.

Palliative care also provides emotional support to the patients and their families during the illness.

Therefore, choice B indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice A is wrong because it contradicts the goal of palliative care to address the spiritual needs of the patients and their families.

Spiritual advisors can help patients cope with their illness and find meaning and purpose in their situation.

Choice C is wrong because it denies the patient the opportunity to express their feelings and concerns about their illness.

Palliative care involves open and honest communication between the patients, their families and the health care team.

Discussing the illness can help patients make informed decisions about their care and prepare for the end of life.

Choice D is wrong because it goes against the principle of palliative care to respect the patient’s wishes and preferences regarding their treatment.

Resuscitation is a procedure that attempts to revive someone from apparent death or unconsciousness.

Some patients may not want resuscitation if they have a terminal illness or a poor quality of life.

They may have an advance directive or a living will that states their preferences for end-of-life care.