The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old father of three young children w

The nurse is caring for a 35-year-old father of three young children who has experienced a com-pound fractured femur as a result of a work-related incident.

He has expressed great concern over both his physical recovery and his long-term ability to work again. This has affected both his emotional status and his sleeping patterns. The nurse’s most immediate concern is that:
1. The client needs medication to prevent depression
2. The lack of appropriate rest will affect his healing process
3. An occupational therapy consult should be ordered to help him regain his ability to return to his job
4. A psychiatric consult should be ordered to help the client deal with his various emotional concerns

ANSWER

ANS: 2
You must always be aware of the client’s need for rest. A lack of rest for long periods causes ill-ness or worsening of existing illness. Although the other options are appropriate concerns, they are not as immediate in nature as is the sleep problem.