A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about medication administration.
Which of the following information should the charge nurse include?

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to report the client who has a prescription for compression stockings but did not receive them. This situation involves a missed intervention that is crucial for the client's health and safety. Reporting this to the nurse allows timely intervention and ensures that the client receives the necessary care.

Choice B rationale:

Consuming all the food from the meal tray is not a cause for concern and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse. It is a normal behavior and does not indicate any potential issues with the client's health or safety.

Choice C rationale:

The client's request to sit in the bedside chair while watching TV is a common and appropriate request. It does not pose any risk to the client's health or safety and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse.

Choice D rationale:

A client requesting assistance to use the bedside commode indicates a need for assistance with a basic activity of daily living. The AP should assist the client with this request as appropriate and does not need to report it to the nurse unless complications or concerns arise during the process.