A nurse is teaching a client who can only bear weight on one leg how to ambulate using crutches. Which of the following crutch gaits should the nurse plan to instruct the client to use?

A. Request that another nurse check the client's BP in 30 min:

Waiting for 30 minutes to have another nurse check the blood pressure may not be the most immediate and effective action. If there are concerns about the accuracy of the reading, rechecking the BP in the other arm promptly is a more appropriate and efficient approach.

B. Reposition the client supine and recheck her BP:

Repositioning the client supine is not necessary in this context. Blood pressure can be accurately measured while the client is sitting. Changing the position might not provide relevant information about the accuracy of the blood pressure reading.

C. Recheck the client's BP in her other arm for comparison:

This is the appropriate action. Checking the blood pressure in the other arm can help determine if there is a significant difference between the arms. A significant difference could indicate arterial disease or other issues. It's essential to confirm the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement.

D. Ensure that the width of the BP cuff is 50% of the client's upper arm circumference:

While ensuring the appropriate size of the BP cuff is essential for accurate readings, this option is not directly addressing the current situation of an elevated blood pressure reading. Checking the other arm for comparison is more relevant to assess the accuracy of the measurement.

A. Prepare the client for surgery:
In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.
B. Obtain consent from the surgeon:
The surgeon is not the appropriate person to obtain consent from in this situation. Informed consent should ideally come from the client or a legal surrogate decision-maker, depending on the circumstances. Surgeons are responsible for discussing the procedure with the patient or their authorized representative before surgery, but obtaining consent is not the nurse's role.
C. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance:
While the ethics committee may provide guidance in complex ethical situations, the immediate concern in this emergency situation is to address the client's life-threatening condition. The nurse should prioritize actions that ensure the client receives timely and necessary medical care.
D. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent:
While obtaining consent from a family member is ideal, waiting for consent can delay critical and time-sensitive interventions. In emergency situations, the priority is to provide necessary medical care promptly to stabilize the client. If there is no one available to give consent immediately, healthcare providers may proceed with necessary interventions to preserve life and limb.