A client is receiving rehabilitation for paralysis following a spinal cord injury and is diagnosed with reflex incontinence. Which of the following is the highest priority intervention the nurse should include in the plan of care?

Choice A: Administer corticosteroids. This is incorrect because corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they do not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice B: Turn and reposition every 2 hours. This is incorrect because turning and repositioning are important to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation, but they are not sufficient to maintain muscle strength and endurance. The client also needs active or passive exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.

Choice C: Administer interferon. This is incorrect because interferon is a type of immunomodulator that can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in multiple sclerosis, but it does not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice D: Encourage range-of-motion exercises. This is correct because range-of-motion exercises can help increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance in clients with multiple sclerosis. Range-of-motion exercises can be performed actively by the client or passively by the nurse or a caregiver. They should be done at least twice a day to prevent complications such as contractures, spasticity, and pain.

Choice A reason: Discipline in the school setting for improper handwashing is not an appropriate action by the nurse, as it may not prevent the spread of influenza or promote healthy behaviors. Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of influenza and other infectious diseases, but it requires proper technique, frequency, and duration. The nurse should not punish or blame the students for their handwashing habits but rather educate and encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

Choice B reason: Education regarding respiratory and hand hygiene is an appropriate action by the nurse, as it helps to prevent the spread of influenza and promote healthy behaviors. The nurse should provide accurate and relevant information to the students, staff, and parents about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of influenza. The nurse should also teach and demonstrate proper respiratory and hand hygiene practices, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues in a trash can, washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying away from sick people.

Choice C reason: Running a mandatory flu clinic is not an appropriate action by the nurse, as it may not be feasible, ethical, or effective in preventing influenza. Influenza vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent influenza and its complications, but it requires informed consent, adequate supply, trained personnel, and appropriate timing. The nurse cannot force or coerce anyone to receive the flu vaccine without their permission or against their wishes. The nurse should respect the autonomy and preferences of the students, staff, and parents, and provide them with evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of influenza vaccination. The nurse should also collaborate with the health department and other community partners to organize voluntary flu clinics that are accessible, affordable, and convenient for those who want to receive the vaccine.

Choice D reason: Closing the school for 6 weeks is not an appropriate action by the nurse, as it may not be necessary, practical, or beneficial in preventing influenza. Influenza outbreaks can vary in severity, duration, and impact depending on several factors, such as the strain of the virus, the level of immunity in the population, the availability of vaccines and antiviral medications, and the implementation of preventive measures. The nurse should monitor the situation closely and follow the guidance of the health authorities regarding school closure decisions. The nurse should also consider the potential consequences of school closure on the student's education, socialization, nutrition, safety, and mental health. The nurse should weigh the benefits and harms of school closure against other alternatives, such as increasing ventilation, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, screening for symptoms, isolating sick students or staff members, reducing class size or mixing groups.