A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

A. "Most people are happy when their children grow up and leave home.": This response minimizes the client’s feelings and may make them feel dismissed. It does not explore or validate the client’s sense of loss or lack of purpose, which is important for emotional support during the transition of children leaving home.

B. "You should be proud that your children are becoming independent.": While acknowledging accomplishments can be positive, this statement shifts focus away from the client’s current feelings of uselessness. It does not address the underlying emotional experience or provide guidance on finding new sources of meaning in middle adulthood.

C. "Maybe you should consider why you are feeling useless.": This statement can come across as judgmental or directive and may make the client feel blamed for their emotions. Open, empathetic exploration of feelings is more effective than prompting the client to analyze themselves prematurely.

D. "People in middle adulthood often find satisfaction in nurturing and guiding young people.": This response normalizes the client’s feelings while offering a constructive perspective. It validates the sense of loss and provides an avenue for reframing purpose by suggesting alternative meaningful roles, such as mentoring, volunteering, or community involvement.

A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position: High-Fowler’s position (sitting at 60–90 degrees) can increase pressure on the sacrum and coccyx, which are common sites for pressure ulcers. While upright positioning may help with respiratory function, it does not prevent skin breakdown and may actually contribute to pressure-related injury if repositioning is not frequent.

B. Have the client use a trapeze bar when changing position: A trapeze bar allows the client to lift and reposition themselves independently, reducing friction and shear forces on the skin. By enabling weight redistribution and promoting mobility, it helps prevent pressure ulcers in bony prominences and enhances circulation, which is essential for skin integrity in clients with limited lower extremity mobility.

C. Massage areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin tissue with unscented lotion: Massaging areas of darker or reddened skin can cause further tissue damage by disrupting already compromised capillaries. The recommended approach is to relieve pressure, maintain skin hygiene and use protective padding, rather than massaging areas at risk for breakdown.

D. Increase the client's intake of carbohydrates: Adequate nutrition supports overall healing, but carbohydrates alone do not directly prevent skin breakdown. Protein and vitamins (such as vitamin C and zinc) are more critical for tissue repair and maintaining skin integrity. Nutrition is a supportive measure rather than a direct preventive intervention for pressure ulcers.