A nurse is reinforcing nutritional teaching with a client who has COPD. Which of the following instructions by the nurse is appropriate?

A. Assign an assistive personnel to feed the client.

This option involves assigning someone else to feed the client. While it may ensure that the client receives adequate nutrition, it does not promote independence. The client may prefer to feed themselves if given the opportunity.

B. Explain that the tray is here and place the client’s hands on the tray.

While explaining the presence of the tray is helpful, physically placing the client's hands on the tray is a more direct form of assistance. It takes away the opportunity for the client to explore and locate items independently.

C. Describe to the client the location of the food on the tray.

This is the correct choice. Describing the location of the food on the tray allows the client to use their remaining senses, such as touch and hearing, to independently locate and eat their food.

D. Ask the client if she would prefer a liquid diet.

This option is related to dietary preferences but does not directly address the issue of promoting independence in eating. It focuses more on the type of diet rather than the manner in which the client can independently manage their meals.

A. Massage the client’s bony prominences:

Massaging bony prominences is generally not recommended for individuals at risk for pressure ulcers. Massage can increase friction and shear forces on the skin, which may contribute to skin damage rather than prevent it. Gentle, careful handling of the skin is preferable.

B. Keep the head of the bed elevated:

While elevating the head of the bed may be appropriate for certain medical conditions, it is not a primary preventive measure for pressure ulcers. In fact, keeping the head of the bed elevated continuously can contribute to pressure on the sacrum and coccyx, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers in those areas.

C. Reposition the client at least every 2 hr:

Regular repositioning is a crucial preventive measure for pressure ulcers. Repositioning helps redistribute pressure, improves blood flow to vulnerable areas, and reduces the risk of skin breakdown.

D. Keep the client’s skin moist:

While maintaining skin moisture is important to prevent dryness and cracking, excessive moisture can contribute to skin breakdown. The emphasis should be on keeping the skin clean and dry, with the use of moisturizers applied judiciously to prevent excessive dryness.