A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has quadriplegia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Glasses on the bedside table may be inaccessible for a quadriplegic client lacking arm movement. This doesn’t ensure immediate utility or safety. Scientifically, quadriplegia limits motor function, requiring adaptive aids within reach, making this less practical than direct assistance options.Choice B reason: Placing the call light within reach empowers the quadriplegic client to summon help, addressing their limited mobility. This aligns with scientific rehabilitation principles, enhancing independence and safety by ensuring communication access, critical for managing needs in paralysis effectively.Choice C reason: Checking every 4 hours is insufficient for quadriplegia, where urgent needs (e.g., pressure sores) arise faster. Scientifically, frequent monitoring is standard, and this gap risks neglect, making it less proactive than enabling client-initiated contact for timely care and intervention.Choice D reason: A room near the station aids staff response but doesn’t guarantee immediate help without client input. Scientifically, proximity alone doesn’t address quadriplegia’s dependency needs as directly as a call light, which ensures the client can signal distress promptly.