The client has hyperesthesia apparently associated with a neurological

The client has hyperesthesia apparently associated with a neurological trauma. Which of the fol-lowing is an appropriate nursing intervention in regard to the client’s sense of touch?

1. Reminding the client of the need to have frequent tactile contact
2. Keeping the client loosely covered with sheets and blankets
3. Allowing the client to lie motionless
4. Using touch as a form of therapy

ANSWER

ANS: 2
If a client is overly sensitive to tactile stimuli (hyperesthesia), the nurse must minimize irritating stimuli. Keeping bed linens loose to minimize direct contact with the client and protecting the skin from exposure to irritants are helpful measures. Frequent tactile contact is not an appropriate intervention for the client with hyperesthesia. Allowing the client to lie motionless is not an ap-propriate intervention for the client with hyperesthesia. Using touch as a form of therapy would not be an appropriate nursing intervention for the client with hyperesthesia.