A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

Choice A Reason:

"Encourage your partner to eat three large meals each day." Is incorrect. At the end of life, a patient's appetite might decrease, and they may not tolerate large meals. Encouraging large meals can cause discomfort or be inappropriate for their condition.

Choice B Reason:

"We will use an electric blanket to keep your partner warm." Is incorrect. While maintaining comfort is important, the use of an electric blanket might not be suitable as the patient's circulation and ability to regulate body temperature might be compromised.

Choice C Reason:

"Opioids will be restricted if your partner develops respiratory distress." Is incorrect.

Opioids can be appropriate for managing symptoms like pain or dyspnea at the end of life. Restricting opioids solely due to the risk of respiratory distress might hinder adequate symptom management. The use of opioids should be based on individual patient needs and careful assessment by healthcare providers.

Choice D Reason:

"Assume your partner can hear you, even if they do not respond." Is correct. This statement encourages communication and acknowledges the possibility that the patient might still be able to perceive their surroundings, even if they are not responsive. It supports the importance of providing emotional support and communication during the end-of-life process.

Choice A Reason:

Measuring the intake and output of a client who has received furosemide is correct. This task involves recording and measuring fluid intake and output, which is typically within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It requires accurate documentation and doesn't involve making clinical judgments.

Choice B Reason:

Reinforcing teaching with a client about crutch-gait walking is incorrect. Teaching and instructing clients about specific medical procedures or techniques usually require specialized knowledge and assessment skills, typically within the nurse's scope of practice.

Choice C Reason:

Checking a client's peripheral IV site for redness or swelling is incorrect. Assessing for redness or swelling at an IV site involves clinical judgment and assessment skills to identify potential complications. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse who can interpret findings and take appropriate action if needed.

Choice D Reason:

Assessing the pain level of a client who has received acetaminophen is incorrect. Assessing pain levels involves subjective interpretation and understanding of pain scales, which generally falls under the scope of licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate and manage pain interventions based on assessments.