A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client about methods to promote nighttime sleep. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Correct. Chickenpox is contagious until the sores have crusted over, which generally takes about 5-7 days. Visiting after this period reduces the risk of infection.
B. Incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses; they treat bacterial infections.
C. Incorrect. Handwashing should be done with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not 10 seconds, to effectively remove germs.
D. Incorrect. Cleaning a cat's litter box during pregnancy is not recommended due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.

Choice B rationale:

Teaching the client to tighten a muscle group, release the tension, and then move to the next one is a technique used in progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) PMR is a stress management technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This method helps individuals become more aware of the sensations associated with muscle tension and relaxation, making it an effective strategy for managing anxiety and stress.

Choice A rationale:

Thinking about a positive outcome to a stressful situation is a cognitive-behavioral technique that can help shift the client's focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. While this technique can be beneficial, it does not specifically pertain to progressive relaxation as described in choice B.

Choice C rationale:

Picturing taking the stress and pushing it out of the feet is a visualization technique, which can be helpful for some individuals in managing stress. However, it is not a component of progressive relaxation as described in choice B.

Choice D rationale:

Focusing on a pleasant memory and expressing emotions in writing is a form of journaling or expressive writing, which can be a therapeutic technique for managing emotions and stress. While it can be a helpful strategy, it is not the same as progressive relaxation involving muscle tension and release.