The nurse wants to use role-playing as a teaching technique. Which group is most likely to benefit from this teaching method?

Choice A reason: The rebound phenomenon, related to cerebellar function, is irrelevant to heating pad application. Heat therapy requires assessing skin sensation to prevent burns. Neurosensory impairment increases burn risk, making sensory assessment critical. Checking for rebound phenomenon does not address the immediate safety concerns of heat application.

Choice B reason: Muscle strength and tone inform mobility or rehabilitation but are not primary concerns for heating pad use. Impaired sensation heightens burn risk, as clients may not feel excessive heat. Sensory assessment takes precedence to ensure safe application, as muscle status does not directly impact heat therapy safety.

Choice C reason: Limitations to range of motion are relevant for mobility but not critical for heating pad safety. Neurosensory impairment increases the risk of burns, as clients may not detect overheating. Sensory assessment ensures the client can report discomfort, making it the priority over joint mobility before applying heat.

Choice D reason: Assessing neurosensory impairment is critical before applying a heating pad, as impaired sensation increases burn risk. Clients with neuropathy or reduced sensation may not feel excessive heat, leading to tissue damage. This assessment ensures safe application, aligning with nursing safety protocols to prevent thermal injury during heat therapy.

Choice A reason: Verifying the dosage with the HCP ensures patient safety when the prescribed amount appears unusually large. This action addresses potential errors, confirms the provider’s intent, and aligns with medication safety protocols. Direct communication prevents harm from incorrect dosing, especially for unfamiliar medications causing serious symptoms like dyspnea.

Choice B reason: Administering an unusually large dose without verification risks patient harm, as it may be an error. The nurse’s duty is to question potentially unsafe orders, especially for unfamiliar medications. Blind administration ignores evidence from the drug handbook and violates safety standards, potentially worsening the client’s respiratory or cardiac symptoms.

Choice C reason: Giving the handbook-recommended dosage overrides the HCP’s prescription, exceeding the nurse’s scope of practice. The unusually large dose may be intentional for the client’s condition. Verification with the HCP is required to confirm intent, ensuring safe administration without independently altering the prescribed treatment plan.

Choice D reason: Consulting a pharmacist is useful but secondary to verifying with the HCP, who prescribed the dose. The HCP can clarify intent or correct errors directly, ensuring timely action. Pharmacist consultation may delay resolution, as the provider’s rationale is critical for a medication addressing shortness of breath and chest pressure.