A nurse is reinforcing teaching about colostomy care with a client. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of how to care for the colostomy?

A. Elevates the client's legs before applying the stockings: Elevating the legs helps reduce venous pressure and promotes venous return, making it easier to apply the antiembolic stockings without causing constriction or discomfort. This step ensures the stockings fit smoothly and function effectively to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

B. Instructs the client to dorsiflex their feet while applying the stockings: While dorsiflexion exercises help stimulate circulation once the stockings are in place, instructing the client to dorsiflex during application is unnecessary and does not facilitate proper placement of the stockings.

C. Massages the client's legs before applying the stockings: Massaging the legs prior to applying stockings is contraindicated because it can dislodge a thrombus in clients at risk for deep vein thrombosis, potentially leading to a pulmonary embolism.

D. Folds the top of the stockings over after applying them: Folding the top of antiembolic stockings can create constriction, impair circulation, and reduce the stockings’ effectiveness. Stockings should be applied smoothly without wrinkles or folds to ensure uniform pressure and safety.

A. "There is no one else available to assign these tasks to, so you have to complete them.": Competing is a conflict resolution strategy in which one party pursues their own concerns at the expense of the other party. By insisting that the nurse complete all tasks without negotiation or consideration of workload concerns, the charge nurse is asserting authority and prioritizing their own goals over the staff member’s needs.

B. "Let's just focus for now on the task of administering the clients' morning medications on time.": This reflects a compromising or collaborative approach, where attention is directed to immediate priorities without dismissing concerns, aiming for partial satisfaction of both parties’ needs.

C. "We will take a look at the assignments together and attempt to modify the workload you are concerned about.": This demonstrates a collaborating strategy, involving both parties in problem-solving to reach a mutually acceptable solution that addresses workload concerns.

D. "I'm sure you're capable of handling the workload because you have been a nurse for a long time.": This statement reflects a smoothing or accommodating approach, using reassurance to downplay conflict rather than addressing the underlying workload issue.