A nurse is caring for a client who has been on hemodialysis for the past 5 years. The client is refusing hemodialysis and says, "I'm tired of wasting my life; I would rather die." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. The nurse positions a client who is postoperative in a semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler's position is commonly used postoperatively to promote lung expansion, prevent aspiration, and support comfort. This is an appropriate nursing action that does not require correction.

B. The nurse performs auscultation of the lungs without lifting the gown: Lung auscultation should always be performed on bare skin to ensure accurate assessment of breath sounds. Clothing can muffle or distort the sounds, potentially leading to misinterpretation or missed abnormalities.

C. The nurse applies a cold compress to reduce localized swelling: Cold therapy is appropriate for managing inflammation, bruising, or swelling in many clinical settings. This demonstrates correct therapeutic intervention and does not indicate a need for further instruction.

D. The nurse uses clean gloves when administering an enema: Clean (non-sterile) gloves are appropriate for enema administration since it is a non-sterile procedure. This action follows standard precautions and is acceptable for routine nursing care.

Rationale:

A. "Apply the ointment to the skin every 4 hr.": Nitroglycerin topical ointment is applied every 6 to 8 hours, depending on the provider's instructions. Applying it every 4 hours may increase the risk of side effects such as hypotension or tolerance due to excessive dosing frequency.

B. "Spread the ointment in a thin, even layer.": The medication should be applied in a thin, consistent layer to allow for proper absorption through the skin. The dose is usually measured and spread using applicator paper, avoiding rubbing or massaging it in.

C. "Apply the ointment to the forearm.": The preferred application sites are hairless areas of the chest, back, or upper arms. The forearm is not typically used due to variability in absorption and the presence of thinner skin and more movement.

D. "Massage the ointment into the skin.": Nitroglycerin ointment should never be massaged into the skin. Massaging can lead to unpredictable absorption rates and an increased risk of hypotension or headache due to rapid systemic absorption.