A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who is newly diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason

Empowering the client to feel in charge of his life is essential for promoting coping and a sense of control over the situation. However, it may not be the first priority when the client's safety is in question.

Choice B reason:

Finding the client, a temporary shelter where he can feel safe is important for meeting the client's immediate physical needs, but it can be addressed after ensuring his emotional well-being and safety.

Choice C reason

The client's partner has died in a traumatic event, and the loss of both a loved one and their home can be emotionally overwhelming and distressing. The nurse's first priority should be to assess the client's safety and well-being, especially considering the potential for thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Assessing for thoughts of self-harm is critical because the client may be experiencing intense grief, guilt, or hopelessness, which can increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Identifying these thoughts early allows the nurse to initiate appropriate interventions, provide emotional support, and involve mental health professionals if necessary.

Choice D reason

Reviewing the client's available social support system is significant for addressing the client's emotional needs and establishing a support network. However, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence over this action.

A. Correct. The nurse should turn off the CPM machine during mealtime, as it can interfere with the client's ability to eat and drink comfortably. The nurse should also turn off the CPM machine when transferring or repositioning the client, or when performing wound care or other interventions on the affected leg.

B. Incorrect. The nurse should maintain the client's affected hip in a neutral position, as external rotation can cause malalignment of the prosthesis and impair healing. The nurse should use pillows or wedges to support the leg and prevent rotation or abduction of the hip joint.

C. Incorrect. The nurse should not instruct the client how to adjust the CPM settings, as this can compromise the prescribed range of motion and speed of the device. The nurse should follow the provider's orders and check with them before making any changes to the CPM settings. The nurse should also monitor the client's pain level and administer analgesics as needed to facilitate compliance with the therapy.

D. Incorrect. The nurse should not store the CPM machine under the client's bed when not in use, as this can pose a safety hazard and damage the equipment. The nurse should place the CPM machine on a stable surface near the bed and ensure that it is plugged into a grounded outlet and has adequate battery backup in case of power failure.