A nurse is caring for a client who has thrombocytopenia and develops epistaxis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: This is the best intervention, because offering the client a bedpan every 2 hr can help prevent urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection, which can worsen the incontinence. It can also help maintain the client's dignity and comfort, and promote bladder retraining.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because limiting the client's daily fluid intake can cause dehydration, constipation, and urinary tract infection, which can aggravate the incontinence. The client should drink adequate fluids, unless the provider instructs otherwise.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not recommended for a client who has occasional urinary incontinence. An indwelling urinary catheter can increase the risk of infection, trauma, and obstruction, and interfere with the bladder function. The nurse should use other methods of bladder management, such as intermittent catheterization, external catheter, or incontinence pads.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because ambulating the client to the bathroom every 30 min can be unrealistic, exhausting, and unsafe for a client who has hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of the body, due to a stroke. The client may not be able to walk or transfer without assistance, and may fall or injure themselves. The nurse should assess the client's mobility and ability to use the bathroom, and provide appropriate aids and support.

Choice A reason: This is a vague and unhelpful response, because it does not provide any information or reassurance to the client who has a new diagnosis of MS. The nurse should explain the general course of MS and the possible variations among clients.

Choice B reason: This is a sympathetic but incomplete response, because it does not address the client's question or provide any information about the course of MS. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide factual and realistic information.

Choice C reason: This is the best response, because it provides accurate and relevant information about the course of MS, which is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. MS can cause acute episodes of neurological symptoms, such as vision loss, numbness, weakness, or fatigue, which are followed by periods of remission, when the symptoms improve or disappear. The length and frequency of the episodes and remissions can vary among clients.

Choice D reason: This is a dismissive and unrealistic response, because it does not answer the client's question or respect the client's right to know about the course of MS. The nurse should not avoid the client's concerns or minimize the impact of the diagnosis. The nurse should help the client cope with the uncertainty and plan for the future.