A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has chronic pain related to peripheral neuropathy. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe for this client?

A. Muscle flaccidity: Hypocalcemia typically causes muscle twitching or spasms, not flaccidity. Muscle flaccidity is more often associated with conditions like hyperkalemia or electrolyte imbalances affecting muscle tone in different ways.

B. Lethargy: Lethargy can occur in various conditions, but it is not a hallmark of hypocalcemia. Instead, hypocalcemia usually causes symptoms like irritability, confusion, and muscle cramps rather than general lethargy.

C. Constipation: Constipation is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels tend to cause neuromuscular and cardiac symptoms rather than gastrointestinal issues like constipation.

D. Positive Chvostek's sign: A positive Chvostek's sign, which is a twitching of the facial muscles when tapping the facial nerve, is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. It indicates increased neuromuscular excitability, which is characteristic of low calcium levels.

A. Reposition the client every 3 hr: Repositioning the client every 3 hours is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers, especially since the client has decreased mobility. Frequent repositioning helps reduce the risk of skin breakdown and maintains circulation.

B. Place the client on a donut-shaped cushion: A donut-shaped cushion is not recommended for preventing pressure ulcers. It can increase pressure on the tissue, leading to further complications. A more effective intervention is use of pressure-redistribution surfaces.

C. Elevate the head of the bed to 45°: Elevating the head of the bed can increase pressure on the sacral area and can be uncomfortable for clients with mobility and incontinence issues. The head of the bed should be elevated only when necessary for breathing or comfort, not as a routine practice.

D. Request a consult with a registered dietitian: The client has decreased intake and may be at risk for malnutrition or dehydration. A dietitian’s input is essential to assess nutritional needs, especially for a client with diabetes and decreased mobility, to ensure proper healing and management.

E. Provide a support pressure-redistribution surface: A support pressure-redistribution surface is crucial for this client to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. These surfaces help alleviate pressure on bony prominences and distribute the body weight evenly to prevent tissue damage.

F. Perform a skin risk assessment weekly: Skin risk assessments should be done more frequently than weekly, especially for a client with decreased mobility, incontinence, and diabetes. Daily or at least twice-weekly assessments are needed to monitor for early signs of skin breakdown.

G. Use a moisture barrier ointment after cleaning the client's skin: Using a moisture barrier ointment is essential for protecting the skin, especially since the client has urinary and fecal incontinence. This will help prevent skin irritation and breakdown caused by exposure to moisture.