The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with cancer. The client has discussed having a DNR order written but is undecided. The nurse enters the client's room with their domestic partner sitting at the client's bedside. The nurse assesses that the client is not breathing spontaneously & unresponsive. What is the first appropriate action by the nurse?

C. Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises are essential in preventing contractures. These exercises aim to maintain or improve joint mobility by moving each joint through its full range of movement. They help stretch tight muscles and maintain flexibility, thereby preventing the progression of contractures.

A. While muscle strengthening exercises are beneficial for overall muscle health, in the context of contractures, the primary issue is the shortened and tight muscles. Strengthening exercises alone may not effectively address the contractures and could potentially exacerbate them.

B. Frequent repositioning is crucial to prevent and potentially reverse contractures. By changing the client's position regularly, pressure and stress on specific muscle groups are relieved, which can help prevent further tightening and promote flexibility. This intervention helps maintain joint mobility and prevents contractures from worsening.

D. Weight-bearing activities can be beneficial for joint health and bone density but may not directly address contractures. Contractures involve structural changes in the muscle-tendon unit rather than joint stiffness alone.

C. This option correctly identifies therationale behind the nurse's instruction. Immunosuppressed clients have a weakened immune system, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Family members may carry microorganisms on their hands, clothes, or respiratory secretions that can potentially transmit infections to the client. Wearing gloves and a mask helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the client.

A. This option suggests that the risk is related to hospital staff transmitting infections to family members. While this is a concern in healthcare settings, it is not directly related to the specific situation described where family members are visiting an immunosuppressed client in a protective environment.

B. This option implies that the hospital environment itself poses a risk of infection transmission to family members. While hospitals can harbor various pathogens, the primary concern in this scenario is the transmission of infections to the immunosuppressed client from outside sources, including family members.

D. This option suggests that the client could transmit infections to family members. While this is theoretically possible depending on the specific infectious agent and the client's condition, the primary concern in a protective environment is preventing infections from entering the client's environment and affecting their health.