The patient tells the nurse that she awakens frequently during the night because of leg and foot cramps. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "Ask your physician for a muscle relaxant."
2. "Increase your intake of calcium."
3. "Take a warm bath before going to bed."
4. "Apply heat to relieve the cramping."


Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: A lack of calcium is a major cause of muscle cramps. It is premature to ask the physician for a muscle relaxant. Applying heat will relax the muscles, but will not prevent cramping. Taking a warm bath will relax the muscles, but will not prevent cramping.

Nursing

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