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:

Wiping the eyes from the outer to the inner canthus is inappropriate. This direction of wiping might risk introducing contaminants into the eyes. It's generally advised to wipe from the inner to the outer canthus to minimize the risk of introducing potential eye irritants.

Choice B Reason:

Applying eye patches over the eyes if the eyelids do not close completely is appropriate. Eye patches help protect the eyes from potential damage, dryness, or exposure to light if the eyelids do not close fully.

Choice C Reason:

Cleansing the eyes with a chlorhexidine solution is inappropriate. Chlorhexidine solution might be too harsh for use around the delicate eye area and could cause irritation or damage to the eyes. Using a gentler and specifically formulated eye cleansing solution or sterile saline is usually recommended for eye care.

Choice D Reason:

Placing moist compresses over the eyes every 2 to 4 hours is appropriate. Moist compresses can help maintain moisture and prevent dryness in the eyes, reducing the risk of corneal damage due to the inability to blink.

Choice E Reason:

Instilling lubricating eye drops into the lower lid of each eyeis appropriate. Lubricating eye drops help prevent dryness and maintain eye moisture, offering protection to the cornea.

Choice A Reason:

Keep her arms at the sides of her body with her hands in a relaxed position is wrong. Keeping the hands in a relaxed position at the sides of the body may increase the risk of accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces.

Choice B Reason:

Interlock her fingers and hold her hands away from her body above her waist is wright. Interlocking fingers and holding hands above the waist may increase the risk of accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces.

Choice C Reason:

Clasp her hands together in a relaxed position behind her body at her waist is wrong. This positioning helps maintain sterility by keeping the hands away from potential contaminants and below the waist level. Placing the hands behind the body avoids accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces or objects.

Choice D Reason:

Place one hand over the other against the part of the gown covering her upper body is wrong. Placing hands on the gown covering the upper body may lead to contamination, as the gown is considered non-sterile on the outside. The hands should be kept in a position that minimizes the risk of contact with non-sterile surfaces.