A nurse is working with a nursing student to care for several clients who have musculoskeletal injuries. The nurse should identify which of the following functions of the musculoskeletal system? (Select All that Apply)

Choice A Reason: The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg

Maintaining a systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg is higher than the recommended range for someone who has experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). According to the American Heart Association, the goal for systolic BP in patients with a history of TIA or stroke should be lower to reduce the risk of recurrent events. While this range is not extremely high, it is still above the optimal target for secondary prevention.

Choice B Reason: The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg

This range is significantly higher than the recommended target for systolic BP in patients with hypertension and a history of TIA. Elevated BP in this range increases the risk of recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular events. Effective BP management is crucial in reducing these risks, and maintaining a systolic BP in this range would not be advisable.

Choice C Reason: The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg

Although this range is slightly lower than choice B, it is still above the optimal target for patients with a history of TIA. Research indicates that tighter BP control can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. Therefore, maintaining a systolic BP in this range would not be ideal for secondary prevention.

Choice D Reason: The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg

This range aligns with the current guidelines for BP management in patients with a history of TIA or stroke. Maintaining a systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg helps reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events4. This target is considered optimal for secondary prevention and is supported by evidence from various studies and clinical guidelines.

Choice A Reason: Instruct the client to wear a hospital gown every day, even when out of bed

This intervention does not directly address the prevention of complications related to immobility. Wearing a hospital gown may be necessary for medical reasons, but it does not promote mobility or prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Encouraging the client to wear regular clothes when out of bed might actually promote a sense of normalcy and encourage more movement.

Choice B Reason: Have the client remain in bed for self-care activities

Keeping the client in bed for self-care activities is counterproductive in preventing complications of immobility. Prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle atrophy, decreased joint mobility, and increased risk of pressure ulcers and DVT. Encouraging the client to get out of bed and perform self-care activities while standing or sitting can help maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.

Choice C Reason: Encourage the client to sit in the chair for all meals

Encouraging the client to sit in a chair for meals is an effective intervention to prevent complications of immobility. Sitting up helps improve digestion and respiratory function and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers by changing the pressure points on the body. It also promotes muscle activity and circulation, which are crucial in preventing DVT and maintaining overall physical health.

Choice D Reason: Elevate the head of the bed to 30° to 45° for medication administration

While elevating the head of the bed can be beneficial for certain medical conditions and for medication administration, it does not significantly contribute to preventing complications of immobility. This position can help with respiratory function and prevent aspiration during medication administration, but it does not promote overall mobility or prevent muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers.