A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has terminal cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's autonomy?

A. "Check the water temperature with your finger": Checking water temperature with a finger is unreliable because fingers may tolerate higher temperatures without discomfort. It is recommended to use the inside of the wrist or a thermometer to ensure the water is warm but not hot, typically around 100°F (37.8°C), to prevent burns.

B. "Hold your baby under running water when washing his hair": Holding a newborn under running water is unsafe because it can cause sudden chilling, difficulty breathing, or even slipping. Instead, caregivers should use a damp, warm washcloth or gently pour water over the baby's head while securely supporting it.

C. "Cleanse the eyes from the inner canthus outward": Cleaning from the inner to the outer canthus is correct technique because it prevents introducing contaminants into the tear duct. This motion also minimizes the spread of bacteria, reducing the risk of eye infections in the delicate eyes of a newborn.

D. "Set the water heater to 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit": A water heater set to 125.6°F presents a high risk of scald burns in infants. Safety guidelines recommend setting the water heater to no higher than 120°F (48.9°C) to reduce the risk of accidental burns during bathing or household water use.

• Placenta previa: Placenta previa occurs later in pregnancy and is characterized by painless bright red vaginal bleeding without abdominal tenderness. The client is only 6 weeks pregnant, and placenta previa is not a concern this early in gestation.
• abruptio placentae: Abruptio placentae involves painful bleeding and a rigid uterus, usually occurring after 20 weeks' gestation. The client’s gestational age and presenting symptoms are more consistent with an early pregnancy complication rather than abruptio placentae.
• ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The client’s missed period, positive pregnancy test, right lower quadrant tenderness, and dark red vaginal spotting are classic signs of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency if rupture occurs, requiring prompt identification and management.
• acute asthma attack: While the client has a history of asthma and slight inspiratory wheezing, her respiratory status is stable with normal oxygen saturation and no signs of acute respiratory distress. Therefore, an asthma attack is not the primary concern.
• pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis typically presents with fever, chills, flank pain, and urinary symptoms. The client’s presentation of right lower quadrant tenderness and vaginal spotting does not align with the typical findings of pyelonephritis.
• respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate is normal at 16/min, indicating stable respiratory function. Respiratory rate does not explain the primary concern related to abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
• history of regular menstrual period: While this supports that the client is late in her cycle, it is not the most direct or critical finding pointing toward the diagnosis. The focus should be on current clinical signs like abdominal tenderness.
• temperature: The client’s temperature is within normal range at 37.3°C (99.1°F), making infection less likely and not the primary concern related to her current symptoms.
• right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness: Localized tenderness in the right lower quadrant combined with vaginal spotting strongly suggests an ectopic pregnancy. This is a hallmark finding that supports the diagnosis as the growing embryo can cause irritation, stretching, or rupture of the fallopian tube.
• hyperactive bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are nonspecific and can occur due to anxiety, mild gastrointestinal upset, or pain, but they are not diagnostic for ectopic pregnancy. The abdominal tenderness is the more significant finding.