An older client tells the nurse that showers are not taken because of

An older client tells the nurse that showers are not taken because of a previous fall. What can the nurse do to support the client’s bathing needs?

1. Obtain a shower chair and assist the client in the shower.
2. Document that the client “refused” a morning bath in the medical record.
3. Tell the client that shower shoes can be worn to prevent falls.
4. Hold the client during the shower.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: To provide person-centered care with bathing, the nurse should obtain a shower chair. This should eliminate the client’s fear of falling when in the shower.
Rationale 2: The client did not refuse a morning bath but rather explained why showers are not used.
Rationale 3: Shower shoes may not be sufficient to eliminate the client’s fear of falling when in the shower.
Rationale 4: The nurse would not be able to hold the client during the shower.