A nurse is providing teaching to a group of clients about contraceptive methods. Which of the following should the nurse include?

A. The infant is swaddled but there is a blanket and a stuffed toy in the crib. Loose items increase the risk of suffocation and SUID, so this does not demonstrate safe sleep practices.

B. The infant is placed on their back, but there is a blanket and a stuffed toy in the crib. These items pose a suffocation risk and do not follow safe sleep guidelines.

C. The infant is placed on their back in a swaddle with no loose blankets or toys in the crib. This position aligns with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for safe sleep to reduce the risk of SUID, demonstrating proper understanding of safe sleep practices.

Rationale for correct choice

• Fall risk: The client experiences sudden episodes of leg weakness, intermittent muscle spasms, and gait changes, all of which significantly increase the risk of falls. Falls in clients with multiple sclerosis can lead to serious injury and further functional decline. Addressing safety and fall prevention is the most immediate priority to prevent harm while other concerns, such as memory or employment, are addressed.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• Memory: Although the client reports struggling to remember things, cognitive issues are not immediately life-threatening. Memory deficits should be addressed through ongoing assessment and cognitive support interventions, but they are not the first priority compared with safety risks.

• Blood pressure: Vital signs are within normal limits, and there is no evidence of hypertensive crisis or acute cardiovascular instability. Blood pressure monitoring remains part of routine care but does not require immediate intervention.

• BMI: The client’s BMI indicates overweight status but does not pose an immediate safety threat. Weight management is important for long-term health but is not the first priority in the context of neurological deficits and fall risk.

• Employment: Reduced work hours due to exacerbation episodes reflect functional limitations and psychosocial impact. Employment concerns are important for quality of life but are secondary to preventing physical injury from falls.