A nurse is collecting data from a client who has had major depressive disorder for 5 years. Which of the following statements made by the client should the nurse identify as a covert statement regarding suicide?

Rationale:
• Compartment syndrome: Casts can restrict swelling, increasing pressure within the compartment. Moderate toe edema and capillary refill slowing from brisk to 3 seconds are warning signs. Without prompt intervention, tissue perfusion may decline, leading to ischemia.

• Edema of toes: Progressive edema signals impaired venous return or rising intracompartmental pressure. It reflects worsening limb status under the cast. This change, with slowed refill, supports risk for compartment syndrome.

• Malunion: Malunion develops over weeks due to misalignment during healing. No imaging or prolonged healing time is reported. Acute symptoms like swelling and pain don’t indicate this long-term issue.

• Physeal damage: Growth plate injury would affect long-term limb development. The adolescent shows intact toe movement and normal limb function otherwise. No evidence of joint or bone disruption is presented.

• Inability to ambulate: The femur fracture and cast already restrict ambulation. Lack of walking is expected at this stage. It doesn't suggest any specific complication like infection or compartment syndrome.

• Infection: Fever is low-grade and expected post-injury or from opioids. No redness, drainage, or systemic illness is present. Pain is stable and localized, not escalating or spreading.

• Decreased dorsalis pedis pulse: Pulses are 2+, meaning circulation is present and adequate. Decreased or absent pulse would indicate severe compromise, but that is not seen here. It does not reflect early compartment syndrome.

Rationale:

A. "Perform sponge baths until the baby's umbilical cord falls off.": This is the appropriate instruction because keeping the umbilical stump dry reduces the risk of infection and promotes natural detachment. Sponge baths help prevent water from soaking the cord area until it fully heals and separates.

B. "Use an alkaline soap to bathe the baby.": Alkaline soaps can irritate a newborn’s sensitive skin by disrupting the natural acidic pH balance. Mild, pH-neutral or hypoallergenic baby cleansers are recommended to maintain skin integrity.

C. "Ensure the bath water is at least 96 degrees Fahrenheit.": Bath water should be warm, around 98.6°F (37°C), which is close to body temperature. Setting a minimum like 96°F may be too low and uncomfortable, while overheating the water poses a burn risk.

D. "Apply talcum powder daily after bathing in order to prevent diaper rash.": Talcum powder is not recommended due to the risk of respiratory irritation if inhaled. Preventing diaper rash is better achieved through frequent diaper changes and the use of barrier creams.