A nurse is providing discharge teaching about safety considerations to an older adult client who lives at home. The client has heart failure and a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Placing wet towels along the base of the door: While this action may help prevent smoke from entering or exiting the room, it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm takes precedence to alert others to the fire and initiate the appropriate response.

B. Turning off any electrical equipment: While turning off electrical equipment can reduce the risk of electrical fires, it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm is the first step to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.

C. Activate the facility's fire alarm.

Activating the fire alarm is crucial because it immediately alerts others in the facility to the presence of a fire, enabling them to respond appropriately. This action initiates the facility's fire safety protocols, including evacuating the area and summoning professional assistance to extinguish the fire. The sooner the alarm is activated, the quicker the response can be, reducing the risk to individuals and property.

D. Directing a fire extinguisher at the fire: While using a fire extinguisher may be necessary to extinguish the fire, it should only be done after activating the fire alarm to ensure that emergency personnel are alerted and responding to the situation.

A. Reposition the client every 4 hours:

While repositioning is essential for preventing pressure injuries, the recommended frequency for repositioning depends on the individual client's condition, risk factors, and facility protocols. Four-hour intervals may not be sufficient for some clients, especially those at higher risk, and more frequent repositioning may be necessary.

B. Raise the head of the client's bed to a 60° angle:

Raising the head of the bed to a 60° angle may help with positioning for comfort and respiratory support but does not directly address the prevention of pressure injuries. In fact, maintaining the head of the bed elevated at such a high angle for prolonged periods could potentially increase pressure on the sacrum and increase the risk of pressure injuries in other areas.

C. Ensure the client's heels are not touching the mattress.

Keeping the client's heels off the mattress helps to alleviate pressure on this vulnerable area, reducing the risk of pressure injuries. Pressure injuries commonly occur over bony prominences when pressure is exerted on the skin over an extended period, leading to tissue damage. The heels are particularly susceptible due to the limited tissue padding and continuous pressure when lying in bed. Elevating the heels with appropriate support, such as foam pads or pillows, helps to redistribute pressure and minimize the risk of pressure injuries.

D. Massage the client's bony prominences:

Massaging bony prominences is contraindicated for clients at risk of pressure injuries as it can increase friction and shear forces on the skin, leading to tissue damage. Massage should be avoided over areas prone to pressure injuries to prevent further trauma to the skin.