Prior to administering pain medication to an adult postoperative client, what information should the practical nurse (PN) obtain? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Elevating the head of the client's bed for 1 hour after the feeding is the correct choice because it helps reduce the risk of aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed at a 30-45 degree angle can promote the flow of enteral feeding solution into the jejunum, reducing the risk of reflux into the stomach and subsequent aspiration.

Choice B rationale:

Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature is not recommended. Enteral feedings should be given at or near room temperature to prevent discomfort and cramping in the client.

Choice C rationale:

Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day is not a standard practice. The tube should be secured in place to prevent dislodgement, but routine rotation is not necessary.

Choice D rationale:

Flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is not necessary for intermittent bolus enteral feedings. Flushing before and after continuous feedings may be required to maintain patency, but for intermittent bolus feedings, it is not a routine practice.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should encourage the client to be assertive. Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. One of the treatment goals is to help the client develop assertiveness skills to reduce their dependence on others. Encouraging assertiveness allows the client to express their needs and make decisions for themselves, which is an essential aspect of their therapeutic journey toward independence.

Choice B rationale:

Assuming responsibility for making the client's decisions would not be appropriate. It would further reinforce the client's dependent behavior and hinder their progress towards independence. The goal of therapy is to promote autonomy and self-reliance, not to perpetuate dependency.

Choice C rationale:

Maintaining a verbal no-harm contract with the client may be necessary in some cases, especially if the client exhibits self-harming behaviors. However, it is not a primary teaching point when educating the caregiver about managing a client with Dependent Personality Disorder. The focus should primarily be on helping the client develop assertiveness and self-reliance.

Choice D rationale:

Limiting the client's social interactions is not an appropriate intervention. Social support can be beneficial for individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder, as it can help them build self-confidence and reduce their excessive reliance on one individual. Isolating the client would not be in their best interest.