A client who has metastatic bone cancer tells the nurse, “I want to go home to die.” The client’s family is concerned about meeting the client’s care needs at home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Offer to request a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter.

Indwelling urinary catheters carry risks, including the risk of infection, and should not be used solely for the purpose of addressing the fear of falling. Catheter use should be based on medical necessity.

B. Keep a night light on in the client’s room.

This is the most appropriate action. Keeping a night light on can help the client navigate the new surroundings more safely and reduce the risk of falls due to disorientation.

C. Limit the client’s fluid intake in the evening.

Limiting fluid intake, especially in the absence of a medical indication, may lead to dehydration and is not the best solution for addressing the fear of falling.

D. Put the side rails up and tell the client to call for assistance to the bathroom.

While encouraging the client to call for assistance is important, putting all four side rails up can be considered a restraint. Restraints should be avoided whenever possible to promote mobility and independence. It's important to balance safety with maintaining the client's autonomy.

A. "I’ll apply ice to my ankle for 20 minutes every hour."

This is the correct choice. Applying ice for a specified duration (20 minutes) every hour is a standard recommendation for managing swelling and pain associated with an ankle sprain. It helps reduce inflammation and provides relief.

B. "I’ll rewrap my ankle starting from the knee down."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding. When rewrapping an ankle, it should be done from the bottom (proximal) to the top (distal) to provide proper compression. Starting from the knee down is not the correct technique.

C. "I’ll walk on my ankle for 10 minutes every hour."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding or potential for harm. Immediate weight-bearing or walking on an injured ankle, especially after a sprain, is generally not recommended. Rest is often a key component of initial management.

D. "I’ll put a heating pad on my ankle at bedtime tonight."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding. Heat is not typically recommended in the initial stages of treating an acute injury like an ankle sprain, as it may increase inflammation. Ice (cold therapy) is usually the preferred modality early on to reduce swelling and pain.