A nurse is checking for proper placement of a feeding tube.
Which of the following methods is the most reliable for verification of tube placement?

Choice A rationale

Guided imagery involves the use of mental visualization to relieve stress and manage pain. By thinking about a peaceful setting, such as the client’s grandfather's farm, they can divert attention from the pain and enter a state of relaxation. This technique helps reduce pain perception by engaging the mind in positive, soothing imagery, which can lead to decreased stress and muscle tension.

Choice B rationale

Listening to music is a distraction technique rather than guided imagery. While it can help take the mind off pain, it does not involve the mental visualization process that is central to guided imagery. Music can help by shifting attention away from pain and providing a calming effect through auditory stimulation.

Choice C rationale

Focused breathing is a relaxation technique that can help manage pain through controlled breathing patterns. It helps reduce anxiety and physical tension by focusing on slow, deep breaths. However, it does not involve the imaginative visualization that characterizes guided imagery.

Choice D rationale

Noticing the sensation of muscle tension is part of body awareness techniques, which involve paying attention to and understanding bodily sensations. While this can help in managing pain by addressing muscle tension, it is different from the mental visualization process of guided imagery.

Choice A rationale

Flexing hips and knees when assisting the client to a standing position uses proper body mechanics, reducing the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. It provides a stable base of support during the transfer.

Choice B rationale

Pivoting on the foot farthest from the bed when assisting the client into the chair is incorrect. The nurse should pivot on the foot closest to the bed to maintain balance and control during the transfer.

Choice C rationale

Standing on the client's stronger side when moving the client into the chair is incorrect. The nurse should stand on the client's weaker side to provide support and prevent falls.

Choice D rationale

Raising the bed to waist level before moving the client is incorrect as it may not provide the best ergonomic position for the transfer. The bed should be at a height that ensures the nurse’s safety and facilitates the client's movement.