When instructing a client on the proper use of a cane, which step is essential to ensure stability and safety?

A. Move the client's limbs through their complete range of motion: This action describes passive range-of-motion exercises, where the nurse assists the client in moving their limbs. While this is beneficial for clients who cannot move independently, it does not align with the plan for isometric exercises, which focus on muscle contraction without joint movement.

B. Have the client move each limb independently through its complete range of motion: This describes active range-of-motion exercises, which involve the client actively moving their limbs. Although these exercises are important for maintaining joint flexibility and preventing stiffness, they are not isometric exercises, which are intended to be performed without changing the length of the muscle.

C. Ask the client to move her arms and legs while applying slight resistance: This action combines movement with resistance training, which is not consistent with isometric exercises. Isometric exercises focus solely on muscle contraction without joint movement or changing muscle length, making this option inappropriate for the prescribed plan of care.

D. Instruct the client to tighten muscle groups for a short period, and then relax: This accurately describes isometric exercises, where the client contracts specific muscle groups (e.g., arms, legs, abdomen) without moving the joints. These exercises help maintain muscle strength and prevent atrophy while the client is on bedrest. The nurse should guide the client to perform these contractions for a few seconds, followed by relaxation, as directed by the plan of care.

A. Reduced chest width: While aging can lead to changes in the thoracic cavity, such as a decreased ability to expand the chest due to loss of elasticity in lung tissue, reduced chest width is not a primary musculoskeletal change associated with aging. The focus should be on musculoskeletal changes rather than respiratory or thoracic changes.

B. Decreased muscle mass: This is a significant and well-documented age-related change in the musculoskeletal system. Sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging, affects mobility and function in older adults. This change should be included in the presentation as it is relevant to the musculoskeletal system and impacts overall health and activity levels.

C. Thickened vertebral disks: With aging, vertebral disks typically degenerate and lose hydration, which can lead to thinning rather than thickening. This degeneration contributes to decreased height and may increase the risk of spinal issues, so thickening is not an accurate representation of age-related changes.

D. Increased force of isometric contraction: Aging generally leads to a decrease in muscle strength and function, including the force of isometric contractions. This decline can affect the ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence, making this statement inaccurate in the context of age-related changes.