The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) securing a client’s wrist restraints to the bedside rails. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because abdominal girth can indicate the presence of fecal impaction, but it does not reflect the client's hemodynamic status or potential complications of the procedure.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bowel sounds can indicate the level of bowel motility, but they do not provide information about the client's cardiovascular or respiratory function.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because vital signs can indicate the client's baseline condition and any changes during or after the procedure. Digital removal of a fecal impaction can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause bradycardia, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because breath sounds can indicate the client's respiratory status, but they are not directly affected by the procedure. However, breath sounds should be monitored for signs of aspiration if the client receives sedation or analgesia.

Choice A: Complete an adverse occurrence/incident report is not the most important action because it does not correct the immediate problem or prevent harm to the client. The nurse should report the incident after ensuring the safety and comfort of the client.
Choice B: Ensure that the restraints are not too tight is an important action, but it is not enough to address the issue of improper securing of the restraints. The nurse should also teach the UAP how to secure the restraints correctly and safely.
Choice C: Demonstrate proper securing of the restraints is the most important action because it educates the UAP and prevents potential complications such as injury, infection, or circulation impairment. The nurse should show the UAP how to secure the restraints to a movable part of the bed frame, not to the rails.
Choice D: Initiate the facility’s restraint flow sheet is an important action, but it is not urgent or critical in this situation. The nurse should document and monitor the use of restraints according to the facility’s policy, but only after ensuring that they are applied correctly and appropriately.