A nurse is teaching a group of school-age children about healthy snack options.
Which of the following snacks should the nurse include?

The correct answer is B.

Choice A reason: Checking the client’s condition after the procedure involves assessment, which is a critical component of the nursing process. This task requires clinical judgment and knowledge of potential complications, which are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

Choice B reason: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. It is a basic care task that does not require clinical judgment and can be performed under the supervision of a nurse.

Choice C reason: Witnessing a client’s signature on the consent for the procedure is a legal and ethical responsibility that involves ensuring the client understands the procedure and is giving informed consent. This task requires a level of professional accountability that is beyond the scope of assistive personnel.

Choice D reason: Administering medication, such as atropine 30 minutes before the procedure, is a nursing intervention that requires knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to monitor for adverse effects. This is not within the scope of practice for assistive personnel and must be performed by licensed nursing staff.

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.