A nurse begins to bathe a newly admitted client who reports that they have not had anything to eat that day.
The nurse interrupts the bath and obtains a healthy meal for the client.
This action by the nurse is an example of which of the following?

The correct answer is choice A and E.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should plan to ask the client what they are hearing. This is a therapeutic communication technique known as seeking clarification. It allows the nurse to gain more information and understand the client’s perspective. It can also help the client feel heard and validated, which can build trust and rapport.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the client their hallucinations are not real is not recommended. While it’s true that the hallucinations are not real, from the client’s perspective, they are very real and can be very frightening. Telling them otherwise can come across as dismissive and invalidating, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.

Choice C rationale:

Escorting the client to a group meeting may not be appropriate at this time. Given the client’s current state of agitation and confusion, they may not be able to participate effectively in a group setting. It could also potentially disrupt the group dynamic.

Choice D rationale:

Restraining the client should be a last resort and only used when the client is a danger to themselves or others. In this case, while the client is agitated and confused, they do not appear to be an immediate danger.

Choice E rationale:

Reducing excess stimulation around the client can be beneficial in this situation. Excess stimulation can exacerbate symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and agitation. By creating a calm and quiet environment, it can help reduce these symptoms and help the client feel more at ease.

A. Elevates the legs before applying the stockings: This is a correct action. Elevating the client's legs before applying elastic antiembolic stockings can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. It's an appropriate step to prepare the client for the stockings.

B. Measures the client's calf circumference before selecting the stocking size: This is a correct action. Proper sizing of elastic antiembolic stockings is crucial to ensure they are effective and do not cause discomfort or complications. Measuring the client's calf circumference helps in selecting the right size.

C. Applies lotion to the client's legs before putting on the stockings: This is an incorrect action. Applying lotion to the legs before putting on stockings can make the stockings less effective and may cause them to slide down. Lotions or creams can create a barrier that interferes with the compression provided by the stockings.

D. Rolls down the stockings from the thigh to the ankle: This is an incorrect action. Elastic antiembolic stockings should be applied carefully, starting at the ankle and rolling them up to the thigh. Rolling them down from the thigh to the ankle is not the correct technique, as it can impede blood flow and be uncomfortable for the client.

So, the correct answers are A and B. These actions indicate that the AP is performing the skill correctly by preparing the client appropriately and ensuring proper sizing of the stockings.