The practical nurse (PN) is providing instructions to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to give a total bed bath to an immobile client who has a continuous feeding via gastrostomy tube (GT).

Which instruction is most important for the PN to emphasize?

The correct answer is choiced. “Limit the number of choices for the client.”

Choice A rationale:

Using written signs to assist the client with locating the bathroom can be helpful, but it is not the most critical strategy for managing Alzheimer’s disease.

Choice B rationale:

Providing a stimulating environment for the client can sometimes lead to overstimulation, which may increase confusion and agitation in clients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Choice C rationale:

Using confrontation to manage the client’s behavior is not recommended as it can lead to increased agitation and aggression.

Choice D rationale:

Limiting the number of choices for the client helps reduce confusion and anxiety, making it easier for them to make decisions and feel more in control.

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.