A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?
Apply the client’s positive airway pressure device.
Lift and lock the side rails in place.
Remove dentures or other oral appliances.
Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. However, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Lifting and locking the side rails in place ensures the safety of the client but does not directly address the client’s OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
Choice D rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, but it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Puts on new gloves when entering a client’s room. This action demonstrates an understanding of standard precautions, which are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. By putting on new gloves when entering a client’s room, the UAP is ensuring that they are not transferring any pathogens from one environment to another, thereby protecting both themselves and the client.
Choice B rationale
Uses sterile gloves when handling body fluids. While it is important to use gloves when handling body fluids, sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing a sterile procedure. Standard gloves are sufficient for most tasks involving body fluids, and the use of sterile gloves in these situations would be an unnecessary use of resources.
Choice C rationale
Keeps a pair of gloves in uniform pocket. This practice is not recommended as it can lead to contamination of the gloves. Gloves should be stored in a clean, dry place and should be taken from the box immediately before use. Keeping gloves in a pocket can expose them to contaminants, which can then be transferred to the client.
Choice D rationale
Dons sterile gloves when caring for clients with HIV. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, and standard gloves are sufficient for routine care of clients with HIV. Sterile gloves are only necessary for sterile procedures, regardless of the client’s HIV status.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Injecting in the abdominal area at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the umbilicus is the correct technique for subcutaneous heparin injections. This reduces the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves and ensures consistent absorption of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Rotating injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas is not recommended for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections. The abdomen is the preferred site for consistent absorption.
Choice C rationale
Massaging the injection site to increase absorption is not recommended for LMWH injections. Massaging can cause bruising and affect the absorption of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Expelling the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection is not recommended for LMWH injections. The air bubble helps ensure the entire dose is administered and prevents medication from leaking out.