An 82-year-old client was admitted to the hospital on isolation precautions 3 days ago for C diff. The client begins to demonstrate irritability, confusion, and paranoia.
Which of the following is the best reason for the assessment findings?

Place the call bell in reach and respond promptly when activated.

This is a safety measure that allows the client to communicate their needs and request assistance when needed. The nurse should also check the drain for patency, observe for bright red bloody drainage, and maintain an aseptic technique when emptying the drain.

Choice A is wrong because advising the client to stay in bed and only get up with assistance may limit their mobility and increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia.

The client should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery, with appropriate assistance and precautions.

Choice C is wrong because maintaining the bed at working height for convenience when doing post-op vital signs may increase the risk of falls or injury if the client tries to get out of bed without assistance.

The bed should be lowered to a safe position and locked when not in use.

Choice D is wrong because keeping the lights off to encourage the client to rest and recuperate may impair the client’s vision and orientation, and increase the risk of falls or injury if they try to get out of bed without assistance.

The client should have adequate lighting in their room and be oriented to their surroundings.

Choice E is wrong because attaching the drain to wall suction and keeping the tubing pinned to the client’s gown may interfere with the function of the drain and cause tension or kinking of the tubing. The drain should be attached to gravity drainage and secured loosely to prevent accidental dislodgment.

“It wouldn’t have mattered what you had worn.” This response by a nurse is appropriate because it validates the client’s feelings and helps to reduce self-blame. It also conveys that rape is not caused by the victim’s clothing or behavior, but by the perpetrator’s violence and lack of respect.

Choice B. “The current styles are an invitation to disaster.” is wrong because it implies that the client is responsible for the rape and that she could have prevented it by dressing differently. This response is judgmental and insensitive, and may increase the client’s guilt and shame.

Choice C. “Never mind about blame.

That will be determined by the court.” is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and does not address her emotional needs.

It also suggests that the nurse does not believe the client or support her. This response may make the client feel isolated and distrustful.

Choice D. “Some people don’t have very good self-control.

We have to help them all we can.” is wrong because it excuses the perpetrator’s behavior and shifts the blame to the victim.

It also implies that rape is a result of sexual desire, rather than an act of violence and domination. This response may make the client feel powerless and helpless.