When assessing a client's abdomen, particularly for "stomach pain," the nurse should:

The correct answer is: c. Positioning the client’s arm above heart level.

Choice A: Wrapping the cuff too loosely around the client’s arm

Wrapping the cuff too loosely can lead to an inaccurately high blood pressure reading, not a low one. A loose cuff does not compress the artery properly, causing the device to overestimate the pressure needed to occlude the artery.

Choice B: Measuring blood pressure right after the client’s mealtime

Measuring blood pressure right after a meal can cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to the body’s metabolic response to digestion. This is not a common cause of a low blood pressure reading.

Choice C: Positioning the client’s arm above heart level

Positioning the client’s arm above heart level can lead to an inaccurately low blood pressure reading. When the arm is elevated, the hydrostatic pressure decreases, resulting in a lower reading. This is a well-known source of error in blood pressure measurement.

Choice D: Deflating the cuff too slowly

Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause venous congestion, which may lead to an inaccurately high reading rather than a low one. The standard deflation rate is 2-3 mm Hg per second to ensure accurate measurement.

Choice A reason: Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day is a recommended practice for good sleep hygiene. It helps to regulate the body's internal clock and can improve sleep quality.

Choice B reason: Watching television until falling asleep is not recommended for healthful sleep habits. The light emitted from screens can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Choice C reason: Avoiding naps, especially in the afternoon or evening, can help ensure that a person is sufficiently tired at bedtime, which can improve the ability to fall asleep and maintain sleep throughout the night.

Choice D reason: Having a small snack and taking a bath before bed can be part of a relaxing bedtime routine. A light snack can prevent hunger from disrupting sleep, and a warm bath can help to relax the body and signal that it's time to wind down.