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: 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.

Choice A Reason:

Encouraging the client to bear down is not an appropriate response to abdominal cramps during an enema. Bearing down can increase discomfort and does not address the underlying cause of the cramps.

Choice B Reason:

Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure is not the best initial action. While it is important to document the client’s response, there are other steps that can be taken to alleviate the discomfort before stopping the procedure entirely.

Choice C Reason:

This is the correct answer. Lowering the height of the solution container will reduce the flow rate of the enema solution, which can help alleviate abdominal cramps. A slower flow rate is less likely to cause cramping and discomfort.

Choice D Reason:

Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing can help relieve discomfort, but it is not the most immediate or effective action. Adjusting the flow rate by lowering the height of the solution container is a more direct way to address the issue.