A nurse is caring for a client who has a newly created colostomy. The client's partner tells the nurse that the client refuses to look at the stoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to attend a group therapy session: This action does not immediately address the restraint status. The client’s calm and cooperative behavior should prompt reassessment of restraint necessity before introducing other interventions.

B. Continue to monitor the client every 15 min: Ongoing monitoring is important but it is not the priority once the client has de-escalated. If the behavior no longer warrants restraints, the nurse should act promptly to remove them to preserve the client’s rights and dignity.

C. Remove the restraints from the client: Restraints should be discontinued as soon as the client demonstrates self-control and no longer poses a risk to themselves or others. Keeping restraints on unnecessarily can lead to psychological harm, reduced mobility, and legal/ethical violations.

D. Offer the client PRN pain medication: Offering pain medication assumes the client is experiencing discomfort, but there is no indication of pain in the scenario. Medication is not the priority when behavioral signs point to de-escalation and restraint removal is warranted.

Rationale:

A. "Attempt to void every 2 hours.": Scheduled voiding helps reduce the likelihood of bladder overfilling and decreases episodes of leakage, especially in stress incontinence where physical pressure causes urine loss.

B. "Perform Kegel exercises several times daily.": Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra. Regular practice improves muscle tone and helps control urine leakage during activities like coughing or sneezing.

C. "Maintain a daily fluid intake of 1,000 to 1,200 mL/day.": Limiting fluids excessively can lead to concentrated urine and bladder irritation, increasing urgency and risk of infection. A moderate, well-balanced intake closer to 1,500–2,000 mL/day is generally recommended.

D. "Take prescribed diuretics no later than 2000.": While relevant for fluid management, it's not a direct or primary instruction specifically for treating or managing stress incontinence itself. Diuretics increase urine production, which could potentially worsen incontinence.

E. "Maintain optimal body weight for height.": Excess weight increases abdominal pressure on the bladder, worsening stress incontinence. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce symptoms and support pelvic muscle strength.