A nurse is preparing to provide morning hygiene care for a client who has Alzheimer's disease.
The client becomes agitated and combative when the nurse approaches him.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A rationale: Countertransference is not the appropriate concept in this scenario. Countertransference refers to the nurse's emotional response to the client, which may be based on the nurse's unresolved issues and can negatively affect the therapeutic relationship. In this case, the nurse's actions are not driven by unresolved issues but by a desire to meet the client's basic needs.

Choice B rationale: Promoting trust is the most suitable explanation for the nurse's actions. By interrupting the bath and providing a healthy meal to a newly admitted client who hasn't eaten all day, the nurse is demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a commitment to meeting the client's physiological needs. This action helps build trust between the nurse and the client, as the client can see that their well-being is a priority.

Choice C rationale: Boundary crossing refers to actions that may blur or violate professional boundaries between a nurse and a client. While the nurse is going beyond the routine bath to provide a meal, this action is justified by the client's immediate need and doesn't constitute an inappropriate boundary crossing. The nurse is still maintaining professionalism in caring for the client.

Choice D rationale: Veracity is the principle of truth-telling and honesty in healthcare. It doesn't directly apply to this situation since the nurse's actions are not about providing information or disclosing something to the client. Instead, the nurse's primary concern is the client's nutritional well-being.

Choice A rationale:

Placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger to assess oxygen saturation is important, but in this scenario, establishing a patent airway takes priority. The client's cyanosis and shallow respirations indicate a severe respiratory distress, and the nurse should first ensure the client's ability to breathe before assessing oxygen levels.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing a patent airway is the priority action because the client's shallow respirations and cyanosis indicate a compromised airway and inadequate oxygenation. Ensuring a clear airway is crucial for the client's survival.

Choice C rationale:

Checking the client's pulse rate is an important assessment but should not take precedence over addressing the airway and breathing issues. The client's respiratory distress is a more immediate concern.

Choice D rationale:

Administering oxygen is an appropriate intervention, but it should not be done before ensuring a patent airway. The nurse must prioritize actions to address the most critical issue first.