A registered nurse in an outpatient surgical center is providing a client with essential information about discharge planning for home.
What details should the registered nurse include about transportation?

Anatomy: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubic bone. It stores urine until it is emptied through urination. The area between the symphysis pubis (the joint where the two pubic bones meet) and the umbilicus (belly button) is directly over the bladder, making it the most appropriate place to palpate for bladder distention.

Signs of bladder distention: When the bladder is distended, it can be felt as a firm, round mass in the lower abdomen. The patient may also experience discomfort, pressure, or an urge to urinate.

Nursing assessment: Palpation is a key nursing assessment skill used to evaluate the size, shape, and position of organs within the abdomen. In this case, palpation helps the nurse to determine if the bladder is distended and to assess the severity of the distention.

Clinical significance: Bladder distention can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

Postoperative urinary retention due to anesthesia or pain medications

Urinary tract obstruction (e.g., from a kidney stone or enlarged prostate)

Neurological conditions that affect bladder function (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)

Dehydration

Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, anticholinergics)

Prompt intervention: Bladder distention can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and discomfort. It's important for the nurse to identify and address bladder distention promptly to prevent these complications.

Choice A rationale:
Circular turns involve wrapping the bandage around the limb in a continuous circle, with each layer overlapping the previous one. While this technique is effective for securing dressings on cylindrical body parts like the arm or thigh, it's not ideal for joints like the ankle. Circular turns can constrict movement and potentially impair circulation, especially if applied too tightly. Additionally, they don't provide adequate compression for wounds that require it.
Choice B rationale:
Figure-of-eight turns create a cross-over pattern around the joint, resembling the number 8. This technique offers better flexibility and movement compared to circular turns, but it's still not the most appropriate for the ankle. The cross-over pattern can create uneven pressure points and potentially lead to discomfort or even skin irritation. Moreover, it might not provide sufficient compression for wound management.
Choice C rationale:
Spiral turns involve wrapping the bandage diagonally, ascending or descending the limb, with each layer overlapping the previous one by about half its width. This technique is considered the most suitable for bandaging joints like the ankle for several reasons:
Conforms to Joint Contours: Spiral turns naturally mold to the shape of the ankle, providing even pressure distribution and avoiding constriction points. This ensures comfort and maintains proper blood flow.
Allows for Movement: The diagonal pattern accommodates the natural flexion and extension of the ankle joint, allowing for greater mobility without compromising bandage integrity.
Provides Effective Compression: Spiral turns can be applied with varying degrees of compression to suit the needs of the wound and surrounding tissue. This can help control bleeding, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
Easy to Apply and Adjust: Spiral turns are relatively straightforward to apply and can be easily adjusted if needed, making them adaptable to different wound sizes and patient needs.
Choice D rationale:
Recurrent bandaging involves wrapping the bandage back and forth over the same area multiple times, creating a thicker layer. This technique is primarily used for stumps or areas requiring significant padding and absorption. It's not typically used for bandaging joints like the ankle, as it can create excessive bulk and potentially restrict movement.