The practical nurse (PN) is administering an analgesic to a client with low back pain. To promote the effectiveness of the medication, which is the best intervention for the PN to implement?

A. Discuss a low sodium diet: While teaching about a low sodium diet is important in managing fluid balance and hypertension, it is not the immediate intervention needed to address the acute symptoms and risks associated with the client's current condition.
B. Provide only distilled water: Distilled water is not necessary in managing acute kidney injury. Fluid intake management should be based on specific electrolyte and fluid needs, and the focus should be on controlling volume overload rather than the type of water provided.
C. Monitor for dependent pitting edema: Monitoring for pitting edema is critical because it provides immediate information about fluid overload, which is common with acute kidney injury. Assessing for edema provides information about the extent of fluid retention and helps evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at managing fluid balance.
D. Use a cushion when sitting: Using a cushion may improve comfort but does not address the life-threatening complications of electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and mental status changes associated with acute kidney injury. Priority should be on assessing and managing systemic symptoms.

A. Medications are limited to managing pain: While pain management is a key component of hospice care, medications are not limited only to pain management. Hospice care also addresses other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety to improve comfort.
B. Care can be provided in the home: Hospice care can indeed be provided in the home, allowing the client to remain in a familiar environment while receiving palliative care. This is a central aspect of hospice services.
C. Care focuses on quality of life at the end of life: Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life, providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support for both the client and family at the end of life.
D. Curative measures are optional: In hospice care, curative treatments are typically discontinued because the focus shifts to palliative care aimed at comfort and symptom relief rather than attempting to cure the illness.
E. Family is responsible for care decisions: While families are involved in decisions, hospice care involves collaboration with the healthcare team, and decisions are made based on the patient's wishes and comfort, not solely by the family.