A nurse is preparing nasopharyngeal suctioning for an adult client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

A) Assist the client with range-of-motion exercises of the hands:
This task is appropriate for the assistive personnel (AP) as it is a routine, non-invasive intervention that can help maintain mobility and prevent contractures in the hands. The AP can assist with range-of-motion exercises, following proper technique, and reporting any abnormalities to the nurse. This falls within the AP's scope of practice and can be delegated to them effectively.

B) Determine the circulation status of the affected extremities every hr:
Assessing circulation is a nursing responsibility and requires clinical judgment to identify signs of impaired circulation, such as color changes, pulse, or temperature of the skin. This task cannot be delegated to an AP, as it requires a nurse’s skill to interpret findings and take appropriate action.

C) Instruct the client's family about the purpose of mitten restraints:
Educating the client's family about the use of mitten restraints is a responsibility of the nurse, not the AP. This involves assessing the family’s understanding, providing relevant information, and answering any questions they may have. Only licensed healthcare professionals are responsible for providing education about the purpose and use of restraints.

D) Evaluate the need for the client to remain in mitten restraints:
Evaluating the necessity of restraints involves assessing the client's condition, safety, and overall care needs. This requires critical thinking and professional judgment and should be performed by the nurse, not the AP. The nurse must determine if the restraints continue to be necessary or if they can be removed, ensuring the client’s safety and dignity.

A) Ensuring that creases in the stockings on the front of the client's legs:
This action requires intervention. The stockings should be applied smoothly and without any wrinkles or creases, as these can cause pressure points that may lead to skin irritation, impaired circulation, or discomfort for the client. The nurse should ensure that the assistive personnel applies the stockings correctly and without any creases to prevent these issues.

B) Applying the stockings before the client gets out of bed:
This is an appropriate action. Antiembolic stockings should be applied while the client is in a resting position, preferably before getting out of bed, to prevent venous stasis and improve circulation. Applying them while the client is lying down allows for proper fitting and ensures the stockings are worn during periods of immobility.

C) Asking the client to point their toes before applying the stockings:
This is an acceptable action. Asking the client to point their toes helps to stretch and align the legs for proper stocking application, making it easier to apply the stockings without causing discomfort. It is a good practice to ensure the stockings are applied properly while the client's feet and legs are positioned correctly.

D) Turning the stockings inside out before applying them:
This is a correct action. Turning the stockings inside out can help to prevent the stockings from rolling or bunching during application. It also allows the assistive personnel to place them on the client more easily and ensures a proper fit. The stockings should be turned right-side out after being applied to the legs.