A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change for a client who has a stage III pressure ulcer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A reason: Discouraging reminiscing about the past is not a helpful strategy for a client who has dementia and confusion. Reminiscing can stimulate memory, enhance mood, and promote social interaction.

Choice B reason: Asking open-ended questions that encourage the client to express their feelings is not appropriate for a client who has dementia and confusion. Open-ended questions can increase frustration and anxiety for the client who may have difficulty finding words or recalling events. The nurse should use simple, direct, and closed-ended questions instead.

Choice C reason: Using holiday decorations to provide orientation to the time of the year is a beneficial action for a client who has dementia and confusion. Holiday decorations can help the client recognize familiar cues and reduce disorientation.

Choice D reason: Encouraging multiple family members to visit the client at the same time is not advisable for a client who has dementia and confusion. Multiple visitors can overwhelm and agitate the client who may have trouble recognizing faces or voices. The nurse should limit the number of visitors and ensure they are calm and supportive.

Choice A reason: Withholding the medication if the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg is an appropriate action, as propranolol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure and cause hypotension, which can impair tissue perfusion and cause dizziness, fainting, or shock.

Choice B reason: Requesting a dosage increase if the apical heart rate is less than 60/min is an inappropriate action, as propranolol can slow down the heart rate and cause bradycardia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse before administering propranolol and withhold it if it is less than 60/min.

Choice C reason: Informing the client to expect increased hair growth is an incorrect statement, as propranolol does not cause hypertrichosis or excessive hair growth. However, another beta-blocker, minoxidil, can cause this side effect.

Choice D reason: Administering the medication with an antacid is not an appropriate action, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of propranolol and reduce its effectiveness. The nurse should administer propranolol on an empty stomach or with food that does not contain antacids.