A nurse is providing care for a client who has delirium in the intensive care unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first to prevent client injury?

A. Comply with compression therapy:

Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.

Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:

Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.

However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.

C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:

Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:

Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.

Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.

Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.

A. Lie on your back when sleeping: Lying on the back when sleeping may be recommended initially after cochlear implant surgery to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. However, this instruction should not be included in the plan of care indefinitely. Once the client is comfortable and the surgical site is healing well, they should be allowed to sleep in any position that is comfortable for them.

B. Lie on your front when sleeping: Lying on the front when sleeping is not typically recommended after cochlear implant surgery, as it may put pressure on the surgical site and disrupt healing. This position could potentially cause discomfort and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, this instruction should not be included in the plan of care.

C. Resume your exercise routine: Resuming the exercise routine immediately after cochlear implant surgery may not be advisable. The client should be instructed to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a certain period as advised by the healthcare provider. Engaging in vigorous exercise too soon after surgery could potentially disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, this instruction should not be included in the plan of care immediately after surgery.

D. Wash your hair 24 hr after surgery: After cochlear implant insertion, it is important to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection. Washing the hair 24 hours after surgery helps to maintain cleanliness and hygiene without disrupting the surgical site. It is typically safe to wash the hair after this period as long as gentle care is taken to avoid excessive manipulation of the implant site.