A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Face the client at eye level when communicating.

This is because eye contact helps to establish rapport and trust with the client who has dementia and shows respect and attention. Facing the client at eye level also reduces distractions and background noise that might interfere with communication.

Choice B is wrong because offering correction of incorrect client statements can increase confusion, frustration, and agitation in the client who has dementia. Instead of correcting the client, the nurse should acknowledge their feelings and try to understand their perspective.

Choice C is wrong because reorienting the client to date and time with each encounter can be stressful and ineffective for the client who has dementia. Reorientation may work in the early stages of dementia, but as the disease progresses, the client may lose their ability to retain new information and may become more disoriented. Instead of reorienting the client, the nurse should use orienting names or labels whenever possible, such as “Your son, Jack” .

Choice D is wrong because avoiding using gestures when communicating with the client who has dementia can limit the nurse’s ability to convey meaning and emotion. Gestures can help to supplement verbal communication and provide cues for the client who has difficulty understanding words. However, the nurse should avoid using gestures that might be misinterpreted or threatening to the client, such as pointing or waving .

A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr. This client is at risk of urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection due to the effects of epidural anesthesia, perineal trauma, and fluid shifts after delivery. The nurse should assess the client’s bladder and catheterize if necessary.

Choice A is wrong because a client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus is showing a normal finding.

The fundus should descend about 1 to 2 cm per day after delivery and be nonpalpable by day 10.

Choice B is wrong because a client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission is not uncommon.

Constipation is a common problem after delivery due to decreased peristalsis, dehydration, and fear of pain.

The nurse should encourage fluid intake, fiber intake, and early ambulation to promote bowel function.

Choice C is wrong because a client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa is also showing a normal finding.

Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown discharge that occurs from day 4 to 10 after delivery.

It consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.