Question

The client with Raynaud's phenomena should be taught to: A. Keep the feet elevated while resting B. Wear mittens when she is out in the cold C. Avoid caffeine intake D. Drink warm liquids to loosen lung secretions

Short answer

Answer: The best advice for a client with Raynaud's phenomenon is to wear mittens when she is out in the cold, as this can help keep the hands warm and minimize discomfort, while also reducing the occurrence of symptoms.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A - Keep the feet elevated while resting

Though keeping the feet elevated while resting can help with blood circulation, Raynaud's phenomenon is triggered by cold temperatures or stress; therefore, elevating the feet might not be the most effective method for preventing symptoms.

Analyze Option B - Wear mittens when she is out in the cold

Wearing mittens while in cold temperatures is an effective method of keeping the hands warm, which can help prevent or minimize the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. This is important, as exposure to cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict and lead to pain or tissue damage.

Analyze Option C - Avoid caffeine intake

Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can narrow the blood vessels by triggering the release of adrenaline. While avoiding caffeine might help to reduce the occurrence of Raynaud's symptoms, this method alone might not be as effective as focusing on direct methods of staying warm or managing stress.

Analyze Option D - Drink warm liquids to loosen lung secretions

Drinking warm liquids may serve as a helpful option for loosening lung secretions, but this is not directly related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Therefore, this recommendation is not the most relevant in addressing the client's specific condition.

Determine the Best Answer

Upon analyzing each option, it can be concluded that Option B - Wear mittens when she is out in the cold is the most effective recommendation for someone with Raynaud's phenomenon. This is because wearing mittens directly addresses the issue of cold exposure, which is one of the main triggers of Raynaud's symptoms. By keeping the hands warm, the client can minimize discomfort and reduce the occurrence of symptoms.