A client with a history of hypertension who was prescribed Captopril complains of a chronic dry cough for the past several weeks. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend?

A. Sedate the client with PRN medications so they stay in bed:
Sedating a client to prevent movement is not an appropriate intervention for fall prevention. This approach could have adverse effects, such as increased confusion, sedation, and even a greater risk for falls once the medication wears off. It may also contribute to a decreased level of independence and quality of life for the client. Non-pharmacological interventions such as environmental modifications and supportive devices should be prioritized.

B. Implement the bed alarm and call light system:
Implementing a bed alarm and call light system is an effective and appropriate strategy to prevent falls in an older adult client. The bed alarm alerts the healthcare team when the client attempts to get out of bed, reducing the risk of falls. The call light allows the client to request assistance before attempting to move independently, ensuring timely support and reducing fall risk. This intervention promotes safety while maintaining the client’s autonomy.

C. Ensure all four side rails on the bed are up:
While side rails may prevent a client from falling out of bed, raising all four side rails can increase the risk of injury. Clients may try to climb over the rails, which can lead to entrapment or falls. In addition, side rails can create a false sense of security and reduce the client's ability to mobilize independently. A more appropriate measure would be using one or two side rails or providing assistance with repositioning or transferring when necessary.

D. Avoid night lights in the client's room to promote sleep:
Avoiding night lights is not advisable for older adults, particularly those at risk for falls. A dark environment can increase confusion and disorientation, leading to unsafe movements. Providing soft night lights in the room can enhance visibility during nighttime hours, reducing the likelihood of accidents and falls when the client needs to get up to use the bathroom or reposition. Adequate lighting is a key aspect of fall prevention.

A) "Encourage strict bed rest with turning and repositioning every 2 hours":
. For clients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), strict bed rest is not recommended unless the client is in severe pain or experiencing complications like ulcers or gangrene. In PAD, exercise and mobility are essential for improving blood flow and reducing symptoms. Prolonged immobility could worsen circulation and lead to complications like muscle atrophy. Therefore, encouraging gentle movement and activity, like walking or repositioning, is typically more beneficial than prolonged bed rest.

B) "Have the client 'dangle' their legs several times per day and when pain occurs":
. For clients with PAD, dangling the legs can be helpful in alleviating pain and discomfort. When the client dangles their legs, gravity helps to increase blood flow to the lower extremities, which can provide temporary relief from symptoms like intermittent claudication (pain caused by insufficient blood flow). It is important to balance this with the advice to avoid elevating the legs, as elevating them above the heart level may decrease arterial perfusion, worsening symptoms.

C) "Have the client elevate their legs above heart level when pain occurs":
. Elevating the legs above the heart level in clients with PAD may worsen symptoms. In PAD, blood flow to the legs is already compromised, and elevating the legs above the heart can further reduce arterial blood flow to the lower extremities, increasing pain and discomfort. Instead, dangling the legs or lying flat with the legs at heart level is generally better for improving circulation.

D) "Have the client use ice packs to relieve lower extremity pain":
. Applying ice packs is not recommended for clients with PAD, as cold can cause vasoconstriction, further reducing blood flow to already compromised tissues. Cold therapy may increase pain and lead to tissue damage in individuals with reduced circulation. The nurse should instead focus on strategies that promote blood flow, such as encouraging gentle exercise, dangling the legs, or using warmth (in some cases) to improve circulation.