Question

a client who has been on bedrest for several days now has a prescription to progress activity as tolerated. when the nurse assists the client out of bed for the first time, the client becomes dizzy. which action should the nurse implement?

a advise the client to sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing again.

b help the client to remain standing by the bedside until the dizziness is relieved.

c instruct the client to remain on bedrest until the healthcare provider is contacted.

d encourage the client to take several slow, deep breaths while ambulating.

Explanation:

The dizziness occurs due to orthostatic hypotension from prolonged bedrest. The safe, evidence-based intervention is to have the client sit at the bedside to allow blood pressure to stabilize before reattempting to stand, preventing falls or further dizziness. Option B is unsafe as standing may increase fall risk; Option C is unnecessary since the prescription allows activity as tolerated, and mild dizziness with first activity is expected; Option D is not appropriate as ambulating during dizziness increases risk.

Answer:

A. Advise the client to sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing again.