A nurse is preparing to provide hydrotherapy for a client who has a burn wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Answer: C. The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis.

Rationale:

A) The nurse files an incident report regarding a medication error:

Filing an incident report is crucial for patient safety and quality improvement but primarily serves organizational processes. It helps identify and address systemic issues to prevent future errors, but it is not a direct act of advocacy for the individual client.

B) The nurse provides wound care to a client at the time promised to the client:

Providing timely care demonstrates reliability and respect for the client's needs, which is an important aspect of nursing care. However, this action alone does not constitute advocacy, as it is more about fulfilling professional responsibilities and maintaining trust.

C) The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis:

Declining to share confidential information with a neighbor is a direct act of advocacy. It protects the client's right to privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive health information is disclosed only to authorized individuals. Upholding these ethical standards is a fundamental aspect of advocating for the client's rights and dignity.

D) The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:

Referring a client to palliative care is an important aspect of providing holistic and compassionate care, but it is a broader action related to care coordination rather than a specific advocacy action in the context of maintaining client confidentiality and rights.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not advise the client with multiple sclerosis to schedule all physical activities for the morning hours. While some individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience increased fatigue later in the day, the best approach is to encourage the client to schedule activities at times when they feel the most energetic and to balance physical activity with rest throughout the day.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring blood pressure is essential while taking fingolimod, a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis, as it can cause a transient decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

Therefore, the nurse should include this statement in the teaching to ensure the client's safety and early detection of any issues.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct statement to include in the teaching. Clients with multiple sclerosis should avoid rigorous activities that increase body temperature, as this can worsen their symptoms due to the sensitivity of demyelinated nerves to heat. Activities such as hot baths or engaging in strenuous exercise in hot weather should be avoided.

Choice D rationale:

Corticosteroids are not typically used as a long-term treatment for multiple sclerosis. Instead, they are used for short courses during exacerbations to reduce inflammation and manage acute symptoms. Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to significant adverse effects, so the nurse should not include this statement in the teaching.