A nurse is talking about joint protection strategies with an older adult client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse reinforce?

A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.

Indwelling urinary catheters carry risks, including the risk of infection, and should not be used solely for the purpose of addressing the fear of falling. Catheter use should be based on medical necessity.

B. Keep a night light on in the client’s room.

This is the most appropriate action. Keeping a night light on can help the client navigate the new surroundings more safely and reduce the risk of falls due to disorientation.

C. Limit the client’s fluid intake in the evening.

Limiting fluid intake, especially in the absence of a medical indication, may lead to dehydration and is not the best solution for addressing the fear of falling.

D. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.

While encouraging the client to call for assistance is important, putting all four side rails up can be considered a restraint. Restraints should be avoided whenever possible to promote mobility and independence. It's important to balance safety with maintaining the client's autonomy.

A. Set the pad’s temperature to 42.2° C (108 F).

The specific temperature setting for a heat application should be based on the healthcare provider's prescription and the therapeutic goals. The temperature should be within a safe and therapeutic range.

B. Stop the treatment if the client’s skin becomes red.

This is the correct choice. Redness on the skin during heat application may indicate potential skin irritation or the onset of a burn. Stopping the treatment if redness occurs is crucial to prevent further injury.

C. Leave the pad in place for at least 40 min.

The duration of heat application should also be based on the healthcare provider's prescription and therapeutic goals. Leaving the pad in place for a specific duration is important, but the exact time would depend on the therapeutic plan.

D. Use safety pins to keep the pad in place.

Safety pins should not be used to secure heat applications, as they can pose a risk of injury. Instead, healthcare professionals should use the appropriate securing devices provided with the heat application or follow facility protocols.