What should a nurse instruct a client experiencing leg cramps at night to do?

Instructing a client to dorsiflex the foot while extending the knee is particularly beneficial for relieving leg cramps. This action stretches the calf muscle, which can help alleviate the muscle contraction that causes the cramp. Dorsiflexion specifically targets the muscles involved in cramping, encouraging relaxation and restoring normal muscle function. Additionally, extending the knee during this process can further enhance the lengthening of the calf muscle, contributing to relief.

Other options may offer varying degrees of comfort, but they do not specifically target the cause of the cramp in the same effective manner. For instance, gently massaging the calf muscle can provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying muscle contraction happening at the time. While standing up and walking around may help some individuals, it is not as effective in immediately counteracting a cramp as dorsiflexing the foot. Applying heat may relax the muscle over time but can initially exacerbate cramping sensations before reaching that point. The dorsiflexion technique is an immediate and targeted response to night leg cramps, making it the best recommendation for quick relief.