A nurse is teaching a client who has decreased mobility about passive range-of-motion exercises. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Loosen the client's bed linens:

For support surfaces to be effective, there must be minimal layering in between the device and the person. A single sheet that can be kept dry and crease free is optimal. Loosening linens can help make the client more comfortable by reducing pressure and friction on the skin, but it does not directly address the client's acute pain from a pressure injury.

B. Provide bright lights in the client's room:

Bright lights may not be directly relevant to managing acute pain from a pressure injury. In fact, some clients may prefer a dimly lit environment when experiencing pain. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate for pain management in this case.

C. Massage the client's sacrum:

Massaging the client's sacrum is not recommended when there is a pressure injury, as this could further damage the tissue and exacerbate the injury.

D. Offer to play music in the client's room:

Music therapy is a widely recognized nonpharmacological intervention for pain management. Listening to music can reduce the perception of pain by distracting the client, promoting relaxation, and triggering the release of endorphins. This approach is safe, inexpensive, and can be tailored to the client’s preferences.

A. Administer an antiemetic:

Administering an antiemetic might be necessary to relieve nausea and vomiting, but it is not the first action. Before administering medications, it is essential to assess the client's condition and gather information about the underlying cause of the symptoms.

B. Offer pain medication:

Offering pain medication is not the first action. The nurse needs to assess the client's condition, determine the cause of the pain, and gather more information before administering pain relief. Administering pain medication before a thorough assessment can mask important clinical signs and symptoms.

C. Palpate the abdomen:

Palpating the abdomen is an important step in the assessment, but it should follow auscultation of bowel sounds. Palpation can be deferred if there is concern about possible inflammation (as in suspected appendicitis) to avoid causing further irritation.

D. Auscultate bowel sounds:

This is the correct action. Auscultating bowel sounds is the first step in assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) function. The reported symptoms of right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting could be indicative of various GI issues, such as appendicitis. Assessing bowel sounds helps the nurse gather information about the status of peristalsis and potential obstructions.