A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A) "My husband won't need medication for breakthrough pain while using music therapy."
This statement is incorrect. While music therapy can help reduce pain perception and provide comfort, it is not a replacement for medications, especially for breakthrough pain. Breakthrough pain may still occur, and medications are often needed to manage it. Music therapy can complement the use of pain medications, but it does not eliminate the need for them.

B) "Playing music will increase my husband's alertness."
This statement is not accurate. Music therapy may enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and help manage pain, but it is not generally used to increase alertness in terminally ill patients. In fact, some music therapy techniques may be calming and soothing, which could encourage rest rather than increasing alertness.

C) "I will discontinue music therapy when my husband is no longer responsive."
This statement is incorrect. Music therapy can still be beneficial even if the client becomes less responsive. In hospice care, music therapy is often used to provide comfort, promote relaxation, and offer emotional support, even for clients who are less alert or responsive. Discontinuing therapy may deprive the client of a source of comfort.

D) "Music will distract my husband's awareness of the pain."
This statement is correct. Music therapy can serve as a distraction and help reduce the client's perception of pain by focusing their attention away from discomfort. It can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and alter the client's awareness of their pain, making it an effective complementary treatment for pain management in hospice care.

A) Client report of muscle spasms of the left leg: Muscle spasms are common in clients with a cast, especially if the muscle is restricted for an extended period. While muscle spasms can be uncomfortable, they are not immediately life-threatening. The nurse should still address the discomfort but it does not take priority over other potential issues like circulation.
B) One fingerbreadth of space between the cast and the skin: A small amount of space between the cast and the skin can be normal and is typically observed in a well-applied cast. However, this finding alone does not indicate an immediate concern unless other signs such as swelling or impaired circulation are noted.

C) Diminished pulses on the affected extremity: Diminished pulses are a priority concern. This may indicate compromised circulation, which can lead to serious complications such as tissue ischemia or compartment syndrome. The nurse should immediately assess the severity of the circulation problem, as any signs of compromised blood flow require prompt intervention to prevent permanent damage or loss of limb function.

D) Ecchymosis on the inner left thigh: Ecchymosis or bruising on the inner thigh can be a normal consequence of trauma or injury related to the reason for the cast. While it is important to monitor for any changes in the condition, ecchymosis itself is not immediately life-threatening or urgent compared to potential circulation issues.