A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit for a client who has a herniated intervertebral disk. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is choice C: Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.

Choice C rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure can indicate various serious conditions, such as shock, hemorrhage, or a severe infection. The nurse should assess the client further and intervene as necessary to prevent complications.

Choice A rationale: The change in temperature may indicate the onset of a fever and requires further assessment, but it is not as immediately concerning as the sudden drop in blood pressure.

Choice B rationale: The change in respiratory rate could be a result of factors like pain, anxiety, or exercise. While it warrants further assessment, it is not as critical as the blood pressure change.

Choice D rationale: The heart rate change may be a response to medications, rest, or other factors. It should be monitored and assessed, but the priority finding is the blood pressure change, which may indicate a more severe underlying issue.

The correct answer is choice D, Describe the food placement as though the plate were a clock. When delivering the client's meal tray, the nurse should describe the food placement as though the plate were a clock to help the client know where the food is located. This helps the client be more independent and participate actively at mealtime. Choice A is incorrect because arranging for assistive personnel to feed the client may take away the client's independence. Choice B is incorrect because discouraging conversations during the client's mealtime may make the client feel isolated. Choice C is incorrect because providing the client with small-handled adaptive utensils may not help the client locate food on the plate.

Other choices:

A. Arrange for assistive personnel to feed the client: Arranging for assistive personnel to feed the client may take away the client's independence.

B. Discourage conversations during the client's mealtime: Discouraging conversations during the client's mealtime may make the client feel isolated.

B. Provide the client with small-handled adaptive utensils: Providing the client with small-handled adaptive utensils may not help the client locate food on the plate.