The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and notes that there is documentation of the presence of asterixis. How should the nurse assess for its presence?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because increasing her voice when speaking to the client may not prevent complications, but rather annoy or offend the client. The nurse should not assume that a client with a visual impairment has a hearing impairment as well unless it is confirmed by assessment or history. The nurse should speak in a normal tone and volume and identify herself by name and role.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because lowering the bed rails before lowering the bed may increase the risk of complications, such as falls or injuries. The nurse should keep the bed rails up until the client is ready to get out of bed and lower them only when necessary. The nurse should also lock the wheels of the bed and adjust it to a comfortable height for the client.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using hand gestures to point to where the client will walk may not prevent complications, but rather confuse or frustrate the client. The nurse should not use visual cues or gestures that are meaningless to a client with a visual impairment. The nurse should use verbal directions and descriptions instead, such as "The restroom is on your left, about 10 steps away."
Choice D reason: This is correct because standing slightly in front and to one side of the client can prevent complications, such as collisions or falls. The nurse should guide the client by offering her arm or shoulder for support and walking slightly ahead of him or her. The nurse should also warn the client about any obstacles or changes in terrain, such as stairs, doors, or rugs.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because education about mastoidectomy is not relevant for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the mastoid bone behind the ear, which can become infected or inflamed due to chronic or recurrent middle ear infections. The nurse should assess
the client's ear for signs of mastoiditis, such as swelling, tenderness, or redness behind the ear, but mastoidectomy is not a common or first-line treatment for upper respiratory infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because a referral for a hearing test is not necessary for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Hearing test is a diagnostic tool that measures how well a person can hear different sounds at different frequencies and intensities. The nurse should ask the client about any changes in hearing or tinnitus, which are possible complications of upper respiratory infection, but a hearing test is not a routine or urgent intervention for this condition.
Choice C reason: This is correct because education on the administration of oral antibiotics can help treat an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria that cause infections. Upper respiratory infections can be caused by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, but bacterial infections are more likely to cause fever, otalgia, or purulent nasal drainage. The nurse should instruct the client on how to take antibiotics as prescribed, such as dosage, frequency, duration, side effects, and interactions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because a prescription for an antifungal cream is not appropriate for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Antifungal cream is a topical medication that kills or inhibits fungi that cause skin infections. Upper respiratory infection is not a skin infection, but an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Antifungal cream has no effect on upper respiratory infection and may cause adverse effects or resistance.