A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and appears anxious. The client asks the nurse to stay at their bedside. Which of the following responses should the nurse make to reduce the client's anxiety?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: Placing a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level maintains the sterility of the field. This position ensures that the kit is not contaminated by lower surfaces or inadvertent touch, which is essential for preventing infection during dressing changes.

Choice B rationale: Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should be opened away from the body to maintain the sterility of the field and prevent contamination.

Choice C rationale: Turning their back to the sterile field when coughing is incorrect because it increases the risk of contamination. The nurse should step away from the sterile field and cough into their elbow or use a mask to maintain sterility.

Choice D rationale: Holding a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field is too high and increases the risk of contamination. The gauze should be held closer, approximately 6 inches above the field, to ensure accuracy and sterility.

Choice A rationale:

Planning to insert an oral airway if seizure activity begins is not a suitable intervention for a client with a history of seizures. During a seizure, it's essential to protect the client from injury by preventing them from aspirating secretions or foreign objects. However, inserting an oral airway during an active seizure can be dangerous and lead to injury.

Choice B rationale:

Administering pain medication after the seizure is not a priority intervention. While some clients may experience muscle soreness or discomfort following a seizure, the primary focus during and immediately after a seizure is ensuring the client's safety and preventing injury. Pain medication can be considered later if necessary.

Choice C rationale:

The correct choice is to pad the side rails of the client's bed with blankets. This intervention aims to prevent injury if the client experiences a seizure and comes into contact with the bed rails. Padding the side rails can reduce the risk of trauma and minimize the potential for harm during a seizure episode.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in a supine position during a seizure is not recommended. It's important to position the client on their side (lateral recumbent position) during a seizure to allow any oral secretions or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. Placing the client supine could obstruct the airway and increase the risk of aspiration.