A charge nurse has four new clients arriving on the unit for admission. Which of the following clients should the nurse place in airborne precautions?
A client who has tuberculosis.
A client who has pneumonia.
A client who has shigella.
A client who has strep throat.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through airborne particles. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air, which can be inhaled by others1. Therefore, placing a client with TB in airborne precautions is essential to prevent the spread of the infection. This involves using a negative pressure room and requiring healthcare workers to wear N95 respirators or higher-level protection.
Choice B Reason:
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. While pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, it is typically spread through respiratory droplets rather than airborne particles. Therefore, droplet precautions, rather than airborne precautions, are usually sufficient for managing clients with pneumonia. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person.
Choice C Reason:
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and is spread through the fecal-oral route. It is not transmitted through the air, so airborne precautions are not necessary. Instead, contact precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of Shigella, which involves wearing gloves and gowns when handling the patient or their environment and practicing good hand hygiene.
Choice D Reason:
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Similar to pneumonia, droplet precautions are sufficient for managing clients with strep throat. This includes wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from the infected person to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Waiting 5 minutes between the administration of each medication is the most appropriate action. This allows each medication to be absorbed properly without being washed away by the subsequent drops. Adequate absorption ensures that each medication can exert its therapeutic effect effectively.
Choice B Reason
Asking the client to close their eyes tightly after instilling each medication is not recommended. This action can force the medication out of the eye, reducing its effectiveness. Instead, clients should be advised to close their eyes gently to allow the medication to spread evenly across the eye surface.
Choice C Reason
Holding the dropper 3 cm (1.2 in) away from the client’s eye is too far. The recommended distance is about 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) to ensure that the drops are accurately placed in the conjunctival sac without touching the eye or eyelashes, which could cause contamination.
Choice D Reason
Massaging the client’s eyelids for 20 seconds after instillation is not a standard practice for administering ophthalmic drops. This action could potentially irritate the eye or cause discomfort. Instead, gentle pressure can be applied to the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal duct) for a few seconds to prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
“You should be fine as long as you check your blood glucose before eating.” This response is not ideal because it oversimplifies the complexity of managing insulin-dependent diabetes. Blood glucose monitoring should be done at various times throughout the day, including before meals, after meals, and possibly before bedtime, to ensure proper management and avoid complications. Limiting checks to just before meals may not provide a comprehensive picture of the client’s glucose levels.
Choice B Reason
“We can discuss several scheduling options for monitoring your blood glucose.” This response is the most appropriate as it acknowledges the client’s concern and offers a collaborative approach to finding a solution. It allows the nurse to tailor the blood glucose monitoring schedule to fit the client’s busy lifestyle, ensuring better adherence and management of diabetes. This approach also empowers the client by involving them in their care plan.
Choice C Reason
“You should reorganize your schedule around your blood glucose monitoring.” While it is important for the client to prioritize their health, this response may come across as dismissive of the client’s busy schedule. It does not offer practical solutions or flexibility, which are crucial for long-term adherence to diabetes management. A more supportive and collaborative approach would be more effective.
Choice D Reason
“Your provider will set up a schedule for when you should monitor your blood glucose.” This response places the responsibility solely on the healthcare provider and does not address the client’s immediate concern about fitting blood glucose monitoring into their busy schedule. While the provider’s input is important, the nurse should also offer immediate support and practical solutions. Collaborative planning is key to effective diabetes management.