What should a nurse encourage a client to do after being on bed rest for 2 days prior to their first ambulation?

Encouraging a client to dangle their legs at the bedside is a critical step after a period of bed rest because it serves several important purposes. Dangle their legs allows the client to gradually adjust to an upright position, helping to prevent orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure that can occur when standing up too quickly. This can help the client regain balance and stability before attempting to stand and walk.

Additionally, dangling the legs promotes circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be a concern after prolonged immobility. It also provides a psychological boost, as being in a seated position can enhance the client's sense of independence and readiness to move.

While increasing fluid intake, performing range-of-motion exercises, and using an incentive spirometer are all beneficial activities, they are not as immediate or directly related to the transition from bed rest to ambulation as dangling the legs. Each of these choices supports overall recovery but is not the primary action to take when preparing the client for their first ambulation following bed rest. Dangle their legs serves as a preparatory step that lays the foundation for the actual process of walking, making it the most appropriate recommendation in this scenario.