A nurse is providing reinforcing discharge instructions to a client who has a prescription for oxygen use at home.
Which of the following information should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Tying the straps of the restraints in a double knot is incorrect. This action can make it difficult to quickly release the restraints in case of an emergency. A single, quick-release knot is recommended to ensure the client's safety.

Choice B rationale:

Tying the restraints to the side rails is incorrect. Attaching restraints to the side rails can cause injury to the client and is not a proper restraint application method. Restraints should be tied to the bed frame, not the side rails, to prevent harm.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the padding of the restraints against the client's bony prominences is incorrect. While padding is important to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers, the correct placement of the padding alone does not indicate a comprehensive understanding of proper restraint application.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting one finger between the client's wrist and the restraint is the correct action. This technique ensures that the restraints are not too tight, allowing for proper circulation and preventing injury to the client. The ability to insert one finger indicates that the restraints are snug but not constrictive, maintaining the client's safety and comfort.

Choice A rationale:

Obtaining the blood pressure first thing in the morning is not the most critical factor in accurately measuring blood pressure. Blood pressure can vary throughout the day due to various factors, and it is essential to use the appropriate technique and equipment at any time of the day.

Choice B rationale:

Using the appropriate size cuff for the client is crucial in obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading. If the cuff is too small, it can lead to falsely elevated blood pressure readings, while a cuff that is too large can result in falsely lowered readings. This is because cuff size affects the pressure applied to the artery during measurement.

Choice C rationale:

Ensuring that the client is relaxed and comfortable prior to obtaining the blood pressure is important but not the most critical factor. Anxiety or discomfort can temporarily elevate blood pressure, so it's essential to create a calm and comfortable environment for the client. However, using the correct cuff size is still more critical for accurate measurements.

Choice D rationale:

Removing clothing from the arms before obtaining blood pressure is not the most important action. While it is generally recommended to expose the client's arm for proper cuff placement, it is secondary to using the appropriate cuff size. The cuff should be placed directly on the skin or over a thin layer of clothing, but this step should not take precedence over cuff size selection.