A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has cystic fibrosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take prior to initiating postural drainage?

The correct answer is D. The nurse should measure the client's vital signs first to assess for any injuries or complications from the fall, such as bleeding, shock, or head trauma. The nurse should then notify the provider and document the fall in the client's medical record. Completing an incident report is also important, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the client's hands in warm water is a method to stimulate urination and is appropriate for clients experiencing difficulty voiding.

Choice B rationale:

Performing a fundal massage is incorrect choice in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Administering a benzodiazepine is not appropriate for this situation. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications primarily used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. There is no indication for the use of benzodiazepines in this case, as the client's inability to urinate is likely related to a physiological issue postpartum, not anxiety or seizures.

Choice D rationale:

Placing an ice pack on the client's perineum is not the correct intervention for this situation. Ice packs on the perineum are typically used to reduce swelling and relieve pain after childbirth. However, the client's inability to urinate suggests a potential issue within the urinary system, and a fundal massage to promote uterine contractions would be more appropriate.