A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and has a do-not-resuscitate order on his medical record. The client asks, "What should I do if I have difficulty breathing?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A Reason:

"I should advance my crutches up the step ahead of my unaffected leg" This statement demonstrates an understanding of the correct technique for ascending stairs with crutches. The client should advance the crutches onto the step first, followed by the unaffected leg.

Choice B Reason:

"I should keep my elbows straight when I am walking with my crutches": It is recommended to maintain a slight bend in the elbows to absorb shock and provide stability during crutch walking.

Choice C Reason:

"I will support my weight on the hand grips of the crutches": This is not an accurate statement. Weight should be supported through the hands and arms, not just the hand grips.

Choice D Reason:

"When I'm walking around my house with my crutches, it's okay to take my shoes off": Walking with crutches while barefoot can increase the risk of slipping and falling. It is generally recommended to wear supportive footwear.

A. A family member is napping in the client's room.

This situation, while not ideal, doesn't involve harm or potential harm to a client, staff, or visitor. It may be addressed through communication and policy reminders but may not require an incident report.

B. A client refuses to eat at mealtime.

Client refusal to eat, while concerning, is not an unexpected or unusual event. It is a common aspect of care, and incident reports are not typically used for such situations.

C. A client's bed alarm is malfunctioning.

This situation involves a malfunction in equipment designed to ensure client safety. It has the potential to compromise the safety of the client and may require an incident report to document the issue and address it appropriately.

D. An assistive personnel is late for the upcoming shift.

Lateness may be an issue that needs addressing, but it's not typically considered an incident requiring a formal incident report. This situation may be addressed through workplace policies and communication.