A nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who has heart failure.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice B. Applying an orthotic to the client’s foot.

An orthotic is a device that supports or corrects the function of a body part.

In this case, an orthotic can help prevent foot drop, which is a common contracture deformity in immobile patients.

Foot drop occurs when the muscles that lift the foot become weak or paralyzed, causing the foot to hang down at the ankle. An orthotic can keep the foot in a neutral position and prevent shortening of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Choice A is wrong because a trochanter wedge is used to prevent external rotation of the hip, not contracture. A trochanter wedge is a triangular-shaped pillow that is placed between the legs to keep them parallel and aligned.

Choice C is wrong because a towel roll under the neck is used to maintain proper cervical alignment, not contracture. A towel roll can prevent hyperextension of the neck and support the natural curve of the spine.

Choice D is wrong because a pillow under the knees can actually cause contracture of the knee joint by keeping it in a flexed position. A pillow under the knees can also reduce blood flow to the lower extremities and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Contracture is a permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and surrounding tissues that causes the joints to shorten and stiffen.

Contracture can limit the range of motion and function of the affected body part. Contracture can be caused by inactivity, scarring, or diseases that affect the muscles or nerves. Prevention of contractures requires early diagnosis and initiation of physical medicine approaches such as passive range of motion exercises and splinting before contractures are present or while contractures are mild.

Choice A reason:

Offer to take pictures of the newborn for the client is the right choice, During the initial grieving process after experiencing a stillbirth, the nurse should offer to take pictures of the newborn for the client if the client wishes. Offering to take pictures is an essential and sensitive way to honour and validate the client's experience and the significance of their baby. It allows the client to have tangible memories of their child, which can be important for the grieving process and help in the healing journey.

It is crucial for the nurse to be supportive and compassionate during this time, respecting the client's emotional needs and preferences. Providing emotional support and empathy are critical components of caring for a client who has experienced the loss of a baby.

Choice B reason:

Assure the client that she can have additional children is not correct. While this statement may be well-intentioned, it may not be appropriate during the initial grieving process. The client may not be emotionally ready to discuss future pregnancies, and such assurances might minimize the significance of the loss they are experiencing. It is essential to be sensitive and refrain from making assumptions about the client's feelings or future plans.

Choice C reason:

Avoid talking to the client about the newborn. Avoiding talking to the client about the newborn may be seen as disregarding their feelings and emotions. Instead, it is essential to provide opportunities for the client to talk about their feelings and the baby if they wish to do so. Creating an environment where the client feels comfortable expressing their emotions can be crucial in the grieving process.

Choice D reason

Discouraging the client from allowing friends to see the newborn It is not appropriate for the nurse to discourage or prevent the client from allowing friends to see the newborn if they wish to do so. Grieving is a highly individual process, and some clients may find comfort and support in sharing their grief with loved ones. The nurse should respect the client's decisions regarding who they want to involve in their grieving process.