A nurse in the emergency department is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a sprained ankle. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Maintain foot above the level of the head: Elevating the foot above heart level, not the head, helps reduce swelling and promote venous return. Elevation above the head is unnecessary and may be uncomfortable or impractical. B. Expect numbness and tingling for the first 24 hr: Persistent numbness or tingling is not a typical response to a sprain and may indicate neurovascular compromise. Any unusual sensations should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly. C. Apply ice on the ankle for 20 min intervals: Applying ice for 20-minute intervals is a standard first-aid measure to reduce pain and swelling in acute sprains. Ice should be applied with a protective barrier to prevent skin damage, making this an essential component of home care. D. Perform range of motion exercises for the affected joint: Early aggressive range of motion exercises may exacerbate the injury. Initial management focuses on rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), with gradual mobilization introduced once acute pain and swelling decrease.