A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and wishes to discuss hospice care. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates veracity?

A) Ensure the client wears nonskid slippers when walking around the house:

Wearing nonskid slippers can help improve traction and stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces commonly found in homes. Ensuring the client wears nonskid slippers is a proactive measure to prevent falls.

B) Install a raised toilet seat in the client's bathroom:

A raised toilet seat can make it easier for older adults with mobility issues to sit down and stand up from the toilet safely. It reduces the distance the client needs to lower themselves, decreasing the risk of falls, especially for those with balance or strength limitations.

C) Encourage an annual review of the medications the client is taking:

Medication review is essential to identify any medications that may increase the risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension. An annual review ensures that any potential fall-inducing medications can be identified and addressed promptly.

D) Attach full-length side rails to the client's bed:

While side rails may prevent falls out of bed, they can also increase the risk of entrapment and injury. The use of side rails is controversial and should be based on individualized assessment and risk-benefit analysis. In many cases, alternative interventions to prevent falls should be considered before resorting to side rails.

E) Place throw rugs on uncarpeted floors in the client's home:

Throw rugs can be tripping hazards, especially for older adults with mobility issues. They can easily slip or bunch up, leading to falls. Removing throw rugs or securing them firmly to the floor is recommended to reduce the risk of falls in the home.

A) Place the client close to the nurses' station:

While placing the client closer to the nurses' station may enhance supervision and monitoring, it does not address the immediate safety concern of preventing the client from removing the IV catheter again. This action may be considered after implementing measures to prevent further self-harm.

B) Cover the site with a stockinette dressing:

Covering the site with a dressing is important for maintaining a sterile environment around the IV site. However, if the client is disoriented and has already removed the IV catheter, simply covering the site may not prevent further attempts to remove it. Addressing the underlying issue of the client's behavior is necessary.

C) Administer a sedative:

Administering a sedative may be appropriate in certain situations to calm an agitated or disoriented client. However, it should not be the first action taken after observing the reinsertion of the IV catheter. Sedation should be used judiciously and only after other interventions to ensure the client's safety have been attempted.

D) Apply a soft mitten restraint:

This is the most appropriate action to prevent the client from removing the IV catheter again. A soft mitten restraint limits the client's ability to access the IV site while allowing some movement and comfort. It is a temporary measure to ensure the safety of the client and the integrity of the IV line until further assessment and interventions can be implemented.