A nurse is planning care for a client who is immobile. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Use trochanter rolls beside the client's legs:

Trochanter rolls are positioning devices placed alongside the thighs to prevent external rotation of the hips when a client is lying supine. This helps maintain proper alignment and prevents hip contractures, especially in clients who are immobile.

B. Logroll the client every 4 hr:

Logrolling is a technique used to turn a client with spinal precautions, such as after spinal surgery or injury. It involves turning the entire body as a unit to avoid twisting the spine. However, in a general plan of care for an immobile client, logrolling every 4 hours may not be necessary unless there are specific medical indications.

C. Place the client's arms at their side when turning them:

Placing the client's arms at their side may not be the most optimal positioning during turns, as it can contribute to joint contractures. The nurse should consider positioning the arms in a manner that maintains joint flexibility and prevents contractures.

D. Cross the client's ankles when lying supine:

Crossing the client's ankles when lying supine is not a recommended practice. It can lead to pressure on the lateral aspect of the knees and ankles, potentially causing discomfort and impairing circulation. It is important to maintain proper alignment and support for the client's lower extremities.

A. "Tell me more about your partner.":

While understanding the client's feelings about their partner is important, the immediate concern is the client's statement expressing a desire to die. Therefore, focusing on the client's thoughts about self-harm (Option B) takes precedence in ensuring their safety.

B. "Have you thought about harming yourself?":

This response is appropriate because it directly addresses the client's statement expressing a desire to die. It opens a dialogue about the client's thoughts and intentions related to self-harm, allowing the nurse to assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions.

C. "Why did you stop taking your medication?":

While understanding the reasons behind medication non-compliance is important, the immediate concern is the client's current statement indicating suicidal ideation. Exploring the client's medication adherence can be addressed after addressing the acute safety concern.

D. "You should discuss these feelings with your provider.":

This response might be seen as avoiding the client's immediate expression of distress. It is important for the nurse to directly assess the client's risk and initiate appropriate interventions rather than deferring the responsibility to another healthcare provider at this moment.