A nurse is caring for a client who has coronary artery disease and has a BMI of 30. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement first to develop teaching that promotes lifestyle changes?

Choice A rationale:

Verifying placement of a nasogastric tube requires specialized training and knowledge to ensure correct placement and prevent complications. The nurse should retain this task to ensure patient safety.

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating a client's understanding of how to use crutches involves assessing the client's comprehension and ability to use crutches safely and effectively. This task requires nursing judgment and should not be delegated to an assistive personnel.

Choice C rationale:

Replacing the gauze on a skin abrasion is a task that can be safely assigned to an assistive personnel. It involves basic wound care, which typically falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. The AP can be trained to follow established protocols for wound cleaning and dressing changes.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring bowel sounds requires clinical judgment and the ability to recognize variations from the normal range. The nurse should perform this task, as it involves assessing the client's condition and making appropriate decisions based on the findings.

Choice A rationale:

Providing a cup of hot chocolate prior to bedtime is not a suitable intervention for a client reporting difficulty sleeping. Hot chocolate contains caffeine, which can act as a stimulant and interfere with sleep. Caffeine is known to disrupt sleep patterns and should be avoided close to bedtime.

Choice B rationale:

Scheduling exercise activities at least 3 hours before bedtime is the correct intervention for a client experiencing difficulty sleeping. Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality by helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep duration. However, exercising too close to bedtime can have a stimulating effect, making it harder for the client to fall asleep. By scheduling exercise activities earlier in the day, the client's body will have sufficient time to wind down before bedtime, leading to improved sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping soft music playing at bedtime and throughout the night might not be effective for everyone. While soft music can create a calming environment and help some individuals relax, it may not address the underlying causes of the client's difficulty sleeping. Additionally, some people might find background noise disruptive to their sleep. Therefore, this option might not be as effective as adjusting the timing of exercise.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling mealtime 2 hours before bedtime is generally a good practice, but it might not directly address the client's reported difficulty sleeping. Consuming heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime can cause discomfort and indigestion, which might interfere with sleep. However, adjusting mealtime alone might not be sufficient to resolve the client's sleep issues, especially if other factors are contributing to their insomnia.