The nurse working in the ER is admitting a toddler to the orthopedic unit. The parents and grandparents are at bedside. What should the nurse use as the best source of data for this client?

A. Anemia: While stress can have various effects on the body, anemia is not specifically a direct manifestation of prolonged stress. It is more commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease.
B. Hypoglycemia: Prolonged stress typically leads to increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
C. Decreased blood pressure: Prolonged stress usually causes increased blood pressure rather than decreased blood pressure. The body's stress response involves the release of hormones that typically raise blood pressure.
D. Impaired immune function: Prolonged stress can lead to immune system suppression, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This is a well-documented effect of chronic stress and is thus a correct manifestation to include in the teaching.

A. Place the chair at a 90° angle to the bed: Incorrect. The chair should be placed at an angle to facilitate a smoother transfer, usually around 45° to the bed, allowing easier movement from the bed to the chair.
B. Place the chair on the client's left side: Incorrect. The chair should be positioned on the strong side of the client if possible, or the side the client will be transferring towards, not necessarily the left side.
C. Lock the wheels on the client's bed: Correct. Locking the wheels on the bed ensures that the bed remains stationary during the transfer, providing safety and stability for the client.
D. Raise the height of the client's bed: Incorrect. The bed should be adjusted to a height that allows the nurse to safely transfer the client without excessive bending or stretching. However, raising it too high might make it difficult for the nurse to maneuver the client safely.