A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A Reason:

"I can take my partner outside of the room as long as they wear a mask."MRSA contact precautions typically involve limiting the spread of the bacteria. Taking the partner outside the room while wearing a mask might not be sufficient for infection control, as MRSA can spread through direct contact with surfaces. This statement might not indicate a full understanding of MRSA precautions.

Choice B Reason:

"I will wash my hands as soon as I leave the room. “Hand hygiene is a crucial component of infection control for MRSA. Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after leaving the room helps prevent the spread of MRSA to oneself or others.

Choice C Reason:

"I will wear a gown when I help my partner take a bath." Wearing a gown during tasks that might involve contact with the patient's bodily fluids or surfaces that might be contaminated is recommended for MRSA precautions. This statement aligns with infection control practices.

Choice D Reason:

"I can reuse unsoiled gloves when I re-enter the room. “Reusing gloves, even if they appear unsoiled, is generally not recommended as it can contribute to the spread of MRSA. Gloves should be disposed of after each use and hands washed thoroughly.

Choice A Reason:

Keeping both arms below the level of the client's heart doesn't specifically address the prevention of lymphedema and might not be necessary for this purpose.

Choice B Reason:

Limiting range-of-motion exercises with the affected arm could potentially contribute to stiffness and reduced function, but appropriate and gradual range-of-motion exercises are generally recommended to prevent lymphedema.

Choice C Reason:

Using the client's left arm to obtain blood samples is correct. Lymphedema can occur due to the disruption of lymphatic vessels during surgery, leading to the accumulation of lymph fluid. To reduce the risk of lymphedema, medical procedures or blood draws should typically avoid using the affected arm. In this case, after a right radical mastectomy, using the left arm for blood samples can help protect the compromised lymphatic system in the right arm.

Choice D Reason:

Obtaining blood pressure readings using the client's right arm is not directly related to preventing lymphedema. However, excessive pressure or trauma to the affected arm should generally be avoided to reduce the risk of lymphedema.