A nurse is teaching a client who has rheumatoid arthritis about illness management.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Tell the client, “You seem to be very upset.”.

This is an example of a therapeutic communication technique that validates the client’s feelings and encourages them to express their emotions verbally rather than physically. It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s perspective.

Choice A is wrong because engaging the panic alarm is not the first action to take when interacting with an agitated client.

The nurse should first try to calm the client down by using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as maintaining eye contact, speaking in a calm and clear voice, and avoiding sudden movements or gestures.

Engaging the panic alarm should be done only if the client becomes violent or poses a threat to themselves or others.

Choice B is wrong because using a face shield with a mask when providing care to the client is not relevant to the situation.

This is a personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to prevent exposure to infectious agents or body fluids, not to manage agitation.

Using a face shield with a mask may also increase the client’s anxiety or paranoia, as they may perceive it as a sign of hostility or fear.

Choice D is wrong because initiating seclusion protocol is not appropriate for a client who is agitated, pacing, and speaking loudly.

Seclusion is a restrictive intervention that involves isolating the client in a locked room to prevent harm to themselves or others.

It should be used only as a last resort when less restrictive measures have failed or are contraindicated, and only with a provider’s order and close monitoring.

Secluding an agitated client may escalate their behavior and violate their rights.

Normal ranges for agitation are not applicable, as agitation is not a quantifiable parameter.

However, some tools that can be used to assess agitation include the Richmond AgitationSedation Scale (RASS), which ranges from -5 (unarousable) to +4 (combative), and the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), which ranges from 14 (no agitation) to 56 (severe agitation).

The correct answer is choice B. Use an ibuterol inhaler.

Choice A rationale:

Completing oral hygiene is important for overall health, but it is not specifically related to the preparation for postural drainage in cystic fibrosis patients. Postural drainage is a technique used to clear mucus from the lungs, and oral hygiene does not directly affect this process.

Choice B rationale:

Using a bronchodilator, such as an ibuterol inhaler, is recommended before postural drainage because it helps to open the airways, making the drainage process more effective. Bronchodilators are often used to relax the muscles around the airways, which can become constricted in conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Choice C rationale:

Taking pancrelipase is related to aiding digestion in cystic fibrosis patients who have pancreatic insufficiency. While it is an important part of the overall management of cystic fibrosis, it is not directly related to the preparation for postural drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Eating a meal before postural drainage is not recommended because a full stomach can make the process uncomfortable and less effective. It is generally advised to perform postural drainage on an empty stomach to ensure that the mucus can be cleared from the lungs more easily.